I use a tube pre in a digital based system. I believe the preamp serving as the 'heart ' of a system stems back to vinyl/tape only playback. Now days there is more debate on this. That said I can't see myself going with a passive pre in this system.
Is the preamp the “heart” of the system?
For many years my preamp was a passive devise. I was in love with the transparency. Then one day I to try an active one. With so many Stereophile “the best at any price” rave reviews I decided to go with the Audible Illusions M3B with the John Curl phono boards. I was thrilled! Finally I understood. They sound finally had meat on the bones and a musicality that I was missing. And it was just as transparent! I guess the preamp IS the heart.