Pre Amp Needed?

Hello,
I am needing some assistance.
I currently have the following gear.

1. Bluesound node 2i Streamer (APP - using this to control Volume) (Using Coax out into the Denfrips Coax In)

2. Denafrips Ares 2 DAC ( Using XLR cables out into the Elac Navis ARB51 Active Speakers)

3. ELAC Navis Navis ARB 51 Active Speakers.

This is my problem.

1. The speakers do not come out of standby mode when playing a song. i need to increase the volume a few times for it to turn on.

2. Also the sound very sluggish and terrible.

if i disconnect the DAC and run the Blue sound node via RCA cable using the Bluesounds internal DAC, the speakers turn off stand by and the music sound great. (Working as intended)

So my question is do i need a PRE Amp? Not to control the volume but obviously to boost the signal from the Denafrips Ares 2 into the Active speakers?? is this what a Pre Amp does ?

i assuming that the signal is weak by the time it gets to the speaker?

Any suggestion would be great as this is confusing me.

Thank You.