Preamp - what's the purpose?

I have been using a Decware amp fed by a DAC and phono preamp for more than a year.  I decided a remote control was needed and ordered an Erhard Audio Aretha preamp.   It made my system sound better.  Soundstage was the largest benefit.  Instant gratification!

A preamp is primarily a switching center. If you don't need it don't worry about it. 

a preamp has MANY benefits.

Input source selection.
Volume and balance controls.
Tone controls, YES, tone controls. They are invaluable in my opinion, especially if the source music is not perfect, also room layout, speaker placement, so much can affect the sound and tone controls can go a long way to 'compensate' for any short comings.
I use Baxandall tone controls in my custom builds, one the best tone control circuits out there. I also offer a tone defeat switch, very handy when a 'pure' line preamp is desired for certain listening sessions.

@heartwoodcorp

glad to hear that you are enjoying your Aretha!

Many preamps have subwoofer circuitry with high pass filters and gain control too. The switching ability, volume control, remote control and multiple analog and digital inputs/outputs are very important to me.  The pleasure of a tube preamp allows for a different dimension in sound quality too.