>>I'm not advocating that anyone should give up their tubed preamp
+1, I have removed the CJ CT-5 altogether in my main 2 ch setup, after auditioning and then buying the AMR DP-777 which was subsequently replaced by a Lampizator with volume control. The CT-5 added a richer texture though but using the funds of the sale (preamp + IC + PC) I upgraded my other cables so overall the system lept forward. This trends is unstoppable. Good DACs or transports with great volume control feed directly to amps. Looking forward to the Sony HAPZ1ES V2 or mod with digital in/out (no vinyl for me anymore) and volume control.
+1, I have removed the CJ CT-5 altogether in my main 2 ch setup, after auditioning and then buying the AMR DP-777 which was subsequently replaced by a Lampizator with volume control. The CT-5 added a richer texture though but using the funds of the sale (preamp + IC + PC) I upgraded my other cables so overall the system lept forward. This trends is unstoppable. Good DACs or transports with great volume control feed directly to amps. Looking forward to the Sony HAPZ1ES V2 or mod with digital in/out (no vinyl for me anymore) and volume control.