Are Pre-Amps necessary?

This thread goes to show you many paths to audio satisfaction. Passives, actives, no pre, resistor based, pots, transformer coupled; seems all have their adherents.

It makes sense no pre would be most transparent, resolving, the straight wire concept. But some prefer flavoring, and bit stripping can be concern.
At one time or another I've tried all the above volume controls, I could see how one would prefer one over another. At present and highly likely long term, I'm keeping my present transformer coupled active pre. Adds flavor I prefer and virtually no loss of transparency, resolution. Also gives me added input for vinyl setup.

@atmasphere  I only meant straight wire comment as a theoretical. I've long found my active pre's superior to passives and dac direct. Bass, impact, as you mentioned, much superior with the two actives I've owned.