Denon pure direct mode as preamp?

Hi guys,

While I am still shopping for a preamp to complete my system. I will be using a Denon AVR-21** to feed my power amp. I am using it as a DAC for CD/SACD player and volume control that's all. Simple!

Has anyone tried its pure direct mode to feed your power amp? I hope it isn't that awful... Does the pure direct mode works in a preamp setting?

Thanks!!