Optimizing output of SACD player?

I own the Audio Aero Prestige SACD player. I've been curious whether this player (given it has its own Pre amp) paired with a top flight preamp can sound better than on it's own directly coupled to the power amp. My first question is whether the Prestige volume should be wide open or adjusted to a lower setting to reflect the output level of other source components? Secondly, which pre amps have others tried that out performed the integrated pre amp in the Prestige?