Any thoughts on removing a preamp from your system

I have tried it many times, I've always gone back to my trusted preamp... But, I'm doing it again shortly. Just built a DIY ES9018 USB Dac that is bit perfect through windows volume control... So, one more try for me.
Tim

It is something I want to try as well sometime.

1) I like the simplicity of the solution for the task at hand
2) I am curious how things might sound if done right
3) I like the small size and low price

For now, I have 4 decent quality pre-amps to tinker with as needed and I have seen that all have been capable performers to meet my needs. They are all a tight fit in my enclosed audio cabinet however, a minor inconvenience when it comes time to dabble mostly.

I thought, with the Aesthetix Io with volume, even upgrading to Eclipse and dual power, that I would be safe -- no need for a preamp. I was wrong. I strongly suggest you listen to a good preamp in your system before going too far down the "direct to the amps" road. At least, in my case, even with a superlative source, it did not work out.

A really good preamp (tubes) is always better!!

Like others here, have tried using multiple high end DACs as preamps and always end up liking a preamp in the loop better. Sound is better in almost every way with a very good preamp. Surprisingly even transparency is better. I cannot explain it. I want very much to have the simplest high end system I can create that still delivers top notch sound quality. I do believe it is the future, but not there yet. I've also tried passive preamps with varying degrees of success. Prefer an active preamp to the passive also.