Preamps waste of money?

My experience is the polar opposite of yours. I find an active preamp to be the heart of a good system. Any and all attempts to use a passive or volume control on the amp or source have come up way short in my experience.

In my experience to not have a good active preamp is somewhat of a hindrance to great sound and music.

All of this is so subjective and it makes perfect sense you may think the polar opposite of myself.

Enjoy your music as you like!

It is a waste of money for you and some with sound preferences like you. That simple really. I must have my great active tube preamp to make music my ears and mind enjoy fully. I would be wasting my money on the rest of my stereo system without the preamp involved.

Yes, I have had all the stars aligned perfectly to hear what a passive is capable of as well as a well executed volume pot in the amp and source.
Just does not do it for me and others. No waste of money for us, but certainly for you it is.

Dracule1,

Not defensive at all. Just responding to your post. I am just saying for some it is a waste of money and for some not. I acknowledge we all have different wants and needs in the sound and presentation of our music. I am sure some would prefer their systems even without the Dude! No surprise to me and no defense.

Enjoy your newfound synergy!