If I were starting out in the music and better quality audio world today it would be the DAC having the input and no need for a preamplifier.
Since I have a record collection, a CD collection, files/ services that need to be streamed and an FM tuner I use for one local long time radio favorite station, my preamp needs 4 inputs.
In addition my preamp is the crown jewel of my system that makes everything sound better.

