Oppo 105 DVD player as a "preamp"?

Question for anyone who owns an Oppo BDP-105 DVD/DAC player: As I understand it, this unit has its own internal volume control and can act as a “digital preamp” for 2-channel audio systems by allowing you to route the DVD/CD - and other digital input signals - through the unit’s internal DAC, and directly to your power amp – without the need for a separate dedicated preamp. From the reviews I’ve read, the Oppos 105’s analog 2-channel output stage is quite robust, compared to other DVD players.

My question is, has anyone tried using their Oppo 105 as a digital preamp and routed the 2-channel stereo analog output directly into your power amp? If so, what sound quality differences, if any, did you hear by removing the dedicated preamp from your system?

I’m stuck between 2 schools of thought on this:

1. The fewer circuits and cables in the signal path, the better the sound should be. Therefore, eliminating the dedicated preamp and running the Oppo’s output directly to the power amp should increase sound quality.

2. A separate dedicated preamp will likely have better circuitry and signal quality than the comparatively basic gain stages in the Oppo. Therefore, using a separate preamp should deliver better sound quality.

Thoughts?

Thanks A’Gon gang!