ps audio pwd mkii preamp break in time?

There really isn't a separate preamp section, the signal that you output to a separate preamp is the same signal when run direct.  The PWD controls volume in the digital domain, not the analog domain like a preamp does. When using a separate preamp you were probably running it at 100, but when using the PWD as a preamp you will be running less than 100.  Keep in mind you should try to keep the volume for serious listening above 60 (approximately).  You can go a little lower for casual or background listening, but below 60 you start losing data due to the digital volume control.  When I had a PWD I tried running it direct but my amp was too sensitive and I had the volume in the 50s most of the time.  Now I have a DirectStream and it's volume control is much more adaptable.

Just a note of caution because of the DSD recommendation.  I had a PWDII and swtiched to the DSD and it actually didn't have enough gain for me.  I had to run it in the high gain mode to get close to enough volume and could still top it out somewhere a bit below concert level.  The high gain mode also increases the noise floor so that I could hear a very significant hiss out of my system.  I ended up going back to the PWD.  Coincident SEIIIs and 300b monos with the DAC direct into the amps.

thanks to everyone who responded,  I went ahead and hooked it back up to the preamp and it just sounds better that way