I’m exactly where you are. Also DAC direct to power amp. Tried some excellent preamps and all added coloration . Sometimes I imagine there is still a preamp out there for me. Nevertheless nothing about the sound/ music from my room/system irritates or bothers me. In fact I’m very happy. After visiting friend/s with super systems I sometimes believe theirs is better. But after listening to mine which sounds great even listening for a few hours on end I’m happy and feel the friend’s system might have the initial wow factor but I do tire after about 40 minutes. So I’ve given up worrying and enjoying the music.Took me years and much anxiety and tweaking to get my room acoustics and component choices right , listening daily and nightly. Now I’m learning to relax, forget about improving what I have and listening to and enjoying the music. The other problem I had was looking for well recorded audiophile music . No more . My system plays anything and sounds nice, so I’m listening to music I enjoy, not selecting only audiophile stuff . Relax take it easy and enjoy. Sure you should read about new stuff and listen to other kit but just for info. Don’t scratch if it does not itch
OMG. What now?
After all the listening, the buying, the seeking, the reading, the tweaking, the testing, the critiquing, the latest trend, and the old forgotten mend… my system sounds wonderful - to me.
I’m enjoying the music without thinking about this thing, that thing, the worst thing, the next thing, the best thing… another thing. But I just know there’s something better!
That’s it. It’s the ultimate blessing or, dare I say it, the ultimate curse. I’ve reached the end of the audiophile’s dilemma. Or have I? What now? So,
1. I’m not using a preamp between my digital source and my amp. Both are outstanding, so do I really need one?
2. Where’s the best place to sell my used stuff?
3. What’s the most obvious “weak link” that’s holding my system back from a yet undiscovered audiophile music nirvana?
We all here suffer the same neuroses, so any help is appreciated.