a circuit path with fewer components
Yes that is true but the logic that says "simplification" or "purity" improves sound quality is actually a bit of a misnomer. Understandably, it appeals to our logic. To show that this is an audio "myth" - simply think of an old Edison cylinder or Victrola with not one electron between the needle and the resonating diaphragm....the "purist" mentality is actually pretty wooly but it makes great marketing brochures!