High end stereo preamps? Worth it?

The most direct connection from source to sound will give you the least distortion. Every time that I have simplified the signal path in my system, the sound has improved.Getting rid of an equalizer, simpler preamp, etc. 

If an integrated amp has the same circuitry as its separates, I can't see how it wouldn't sound better than separates of the same model level. You eliminate the interconnects.

If you're talking about a vinyl only system, the phono stage is more important than the preamp, which should be essentially a switching and volume box. I have heard of a phono stage that can be directly plugged into an amp with no other input options, It has a volume control on it with no remote. Simplicity and direct connection. I didn't want to spend that kind of investment (I think it's around $16K from Sutherland- which is what he uses), but that sounds like Utopia for a vinyl only guy like me.  

Is anyone aware of these types of components, and have you heard them, and are any available at a more reasonable price level? 

@itsjustme - no - I was talking about going straight from a phono stage to a power amp. Basically a one input preamp with that input being phono. Output to a power amp (not integrated). Same amount of cables as if the power amp was integrated, but eliminating the integrated's preamp switching circuitry. Sutherland's philosophy seems to be take out whatever you can in search of a straight line connection.

@lowtubes - who wouldn't value purity and tonality?

cerberus79 - As far as I know, any signal coming in to a box via interconnect cable is processed in some way and goes out of the box differently. Even if it is just going through the interconnects, the sound changes. Less processing is better (cleaner, although some people like their sound colored a certain way - I prefer accurate sound as the artist/producer/sound mixer intended). That's why not using a bass and treble knob gives more accurate sound and equalizers sound bad. It's a case of less is more. Also, a switchable amp is for all intents and purposes an integrated amp. It has to be switchable (by definition) since you are listening to two sources. That's the tradeoff of the Sutherland box - it is a phono stage only and goes straight to a power amp. No other sources are accessible to that amp without unplugging some cord and plugging it somewhere else.

@itsjustme - good to know. what is an RIAA? If it is some kind of processing of the signal, it defeats the purpose. If not, are you a manufacturer of products or a tinkerer building things for your own enjoyment?

Glad to hear Pass agrees with me. Now if I could only afford any of his equipment....