I've tried the "No Preamp" approach...the music always sounded harder and less musical...passive preamps suck most of the "drive" from the music...a good active preamp is essential~
Preamp or Not to Preamp?
Have very expensive equipment, over $50k invested. But found myself strictly listening to digital on the main system. In the past went direct out with Wadia(about 5 yrs ago before the 800 series), and never had enough explosion of soundstage. Tried passive preamp, and just too week for bass. Want to loosen up some money tied up in the system. Using a Reference 2 line stage by Audio Research. Have the AR 600s mono-blocks, and just go with another Wadia digital out?? I could be saving thousands if I dumped the preamp.