Do I even need a dedicated stereo preamp?

For example, there are typically multiple variables (tucked away under different modules) that factor into gainstaging in a prepro, as compared to a simpleton purist preamp. You need to consider/address that when matching it up with a power amp.Some guys just don’t have the ability to understand/work with a complex device such as a prepro. If you fall in that category,  a simple purist preamp will do better. If you do understand how to work with a prepro, it is a powerful tool for achieving some unbelievable sound.

Some guys just don’t have the ability to to hear how adding a bunch of noisy digital/video processing crap into a well designed stereo preamp can muck up the sound and really just need the digital bandaids to make up for other deficiencies in their systems they don’t otherwise know how to fix.  Go to any quality dealership or audio show — no high-end speaker manufacturer or dealer demos their 2-channel systems with a prepro.  None.  Hmmm. 🙄

musical404

As many have already said, you do not NEED to get a separate preamp.

You do however have to get one if you want to get the best sound out of your gear, and continue building a better system.

Like many others here, I much prefer tube preamps with both solid state and tube amplifiers.

One of the largest improvements to my system was when I added an Aric Audio Motherlode XL preamp, to my rapidly upgraded system. I've since tried many tube preamps in my system and others, and to me is one of the most important components.

So many choices! Still, I am fine for now until I have the funds or inkling to upgrade again. Mainly because my wife would kill me if I bought another piece of audio gear while I don't have a job. 

There seems to be some confusion here: yes, digital volume controls degrade sound but: no, you don’t need a preamp. Dacs operate with 2+V RCA and 4+V XLR output. Unless your amp has unusually high impedance that is plenty sufficient for a high quality analogue, i.e. passive attenuator, either built into the DAC or stand alone.

All a pre could add is distortion in that configuration. Pre amps were initially designed to boost low output from phono amps and attenuate. The former function doesn’t exist any more in digital music reproduction

I posted earlier about the HPA4 | LA4 | Serene preamps that I have all owned. Well, I finally found a DAC that I like direct to amp, and I bought it and I am selling the HPA4 (on head-fi).