Depends on the voltage and output impedance of your DAC. If you use something like the MSB Platinum, which can output 7.5V rms into 50 Ohms and your amp has sensitivity of 1.5V or less and 45K ohm or higher, then it should not sound lean. In fact, with high voltage DAC's like MSB the preamp will distort when fed such a signal. Passive is the way to go for a DAC like MSB.
dacs as preamps ?
What are the best dacs with volume control ? Sonically do they sound close to using a seperate preamp ? I am in the market for both . Killing two birds with one stone would be nice . Suggestions would be helpful . Thanks