Absolutely.
Generally speaking however, I seem to get the notion this is a cost cutting measure only... and not as much a sonic improvement step.
It is going to be different for sure!
Certinaly other's will argue that point, and the prevailing argument is there is less in the signal path.
Be that as it may, I doubt many owners of the top level preamps are adhering to this line of reasoning.
If you have an outstanding preamp, the question then is, "Why would you want to take it out of the system in the first place?".
Well, I have only one source! or all my sources are digital and connect directly to the DAC. both are viable answers.
If you don't possess a superior preamp, tuner, and/or TT, however, the answer is simpler.
I doubt too many owners of LLam, Thor, VTL, BAT, etc., top tier preamps have offed their preamps solely for some percieved sonic gains by running a DAC directly to their amp (s).
Maybe so if the DAc itself was way way, expensive, and had volume control... BTW, so far Iv'e not seen vol control on those $6K + DACs either.
I've run my BC D3 right into SS and Tube amps with very very good results... but pulling that Thor out of the chain and keeping it out, is a really tuff thing for me to do indefinitely.
For me, it's more a change of pace or examination of the amp itself... like a testing method for some other possible system issues.
From a more purist side of the fence, If you enjoy the sound more by subtraction, then by all means you should go that way.
Practically speaking, selling an outstanding SOTA preamp to keep the adress the same or the llights on for some while longer now, is a consideration too.
But this present tact is for the improvement of the sound, right?
Press on pilgrim... and enjoy!
Generally speaking however, I seem to get the notion this is a cost cutting measure only... and not as much a sonic improvement step.
It is going to be different for sure!
Certinaly other's will argue that point, and the prevailing argument is there is less in the signal path.
Be that as it may, I doubt many owners of the top level preamps are adhering to this line of reasoning.
If you have an outstanding preamp, the question then is, "Why would you want to take it out of the system in the first place?".
Well, I have only one source! or all my sources are digital and connect directly to the DAC. both are viable answers.
If you don't possess a superior preamp, tuner, and/or TT, however, the answer is simpler.
I doubt too many owners of LLam, Thor, VTL, BAT, etc., top tier preamps have offed their preamps solely for some percieved sonic gains by running a DAC directly to their amp (s).
Maybe so if the DAc itself was way way, expensive, and had volume control... BTW, so far Iv'e not seen vol control on those $6K + DACs either.
I've run my BC D3 right into SS and Tube amps with very very good results... but pulling that Thor out of the chain and keeping it out, is a really tuff thing for me to do indefinitely.
For me, it's more a change of pace or examination of the amp itself... like a testing method for some other possible system issues.
From a more purist side of the fence, If you enjoy the sound more by subtraction, then by all means you should go that way.
Practically speaking, selling an outstanding SOTA preamp to keep the adress the same or the llights on for some while longer now, is a consideration too.
But this present tact is for the improvement of the sound, right?
Press on pilgrim... and enjoy!