Impedance mismatch aside, a preamp seems useful for the person who is after the most most pleasing or engaging sound, whereas the straight to amp is usually the best path if the goal is to objectively reduce distortion as low as possible as the greater good (and where they get their pleasure from pursuing that goal)
Heck, a stack of Marshall tube amps is testament that the ear can welcome some types of distotion to the point of euphoria, whereas others might want the cleanest, least distorted sound of the original instrument.
Seems to me it depends on what your goals and values are, what your ear likes, and whether you need your choices in life to be rational or subjective.
Heck, a stack of Marshall tube amps is testament that the ear can welcome some types of distotion to the point of euphoria, whereas others might want the cleanest, least distorted sound of the original instrument.
Seems to me it depends on what your goals and values are, what your ear likes, and whether you need your choices in life to be rational or subjective.