Any thoughts on removing a preamp from your system

I thought, with the Aesthetix Io with volume, even upgrading to Eclipse and dual power, that I would be safe -- no need for a preamp. I was wrong. I strongly suggest you listen to a good preamp in your system before going too far down the "direct to the amps" road. At least, in my case, even with a superlative source, it did not work out.

A really good preamp (tubes) is always better!!

Like others here, have tried using multiple high end DACs as preamps and always end up liking a preamp in the loop better. Sound is better in almost every way with a very good preamp. Surprisingly even transparency is better. I cannot explain it. I want very much to have the simplest high end system I can create that still delivers top notch sound quality. I do believe it is the future, but not there yet. I've also tried passive preamps with varying degrees of success. Prefer an active preamp to the passive also.

Good is good.....however one gets there.

I have to join the chorus and say if you're dealing with a "high"
quality active preamp the sound will be superior. Initially direct or passive
may seem more transparent but over time and continued listening it's
apparent that the sound is leaner and lacking the complete sonic picture
(tone, body, emotion and information). Jaxwired hearing more transparency
with his active preamp isn't a surprise. Top notch active preamplifiers are
essential to achieve the best sound from a system IMHO. Lots of listeners
have tried to eliminate the active but eventually realized that their sound
suffered in its absence.
Charles,