I'm sure the argument will never end between preamp and no preamp. I've used an Accuphase DP-75 with a world class passive preamp, with a CAT SL-1 Mark III (with simplified signal path--Balance and Tape Monitor switches out), and straight into a power amp. I noticed no improvement in dynamics with the CAT, but much lose of transparency and detail. My passive (Shallco switches, Holco resistors, Stealth internal wire, Kimber Ultraconnect RCA's,ladder attenuator type) sounded much better than the CAT, but not as good as the DP-75 straight in. I now switch cables between LP's and CD's, and keep the signal path for each as simple as I can--and I'd advise anyone else to do the same.