How good is the PWD DAC II Preamp Section

Do you have a more specific question?
Are you asking about the volume control?
Are you wondering about going direct to amp or?

When the DAC II is being used the analog output is from the preamp section of the DAC. Since there is no alternative, such as a preamp defeat switch. How would it be possible to evaluate just the preamp section? That said, the DAC II is
an outstanding piece of equipment, preamp section and all.

As far as my system goes, I also prefer running my DAC II into my preamp rather than straight into my amps.

The question was " How good is the PWD II preamp section?"

I do not believe that there is a preamp section, or any part of the analog output stage that can be bypassed by turning the digital volume control up to 100. Whatever preamp stage is in the DAC is still there and being used for the analog output. A good test would be, setting the volume at 100, then backing it down to 99 and see if you can hear any difference.

The new question is " I'm wondering if I can delete the preamp and just go direct with a superlative sonic result?"

This is a system dependent issue. As you can see, some users
prefer using a preamp. However, there are others that prefer
going the direct to amp route. The only person that can answer your question is you. Try it both ways and see which you prefer.