I haven't read all the responses but so far, preamp seem to be holding their own. I for one will always use a preamp. A tube preamp. Regardless of the amplifier being used, I think a preamp will not only provide better sonics but also serve other purposes as well.
It is true most digital gear has the 'drive' to eliminate a preamp but to me, I have yet to hear any source direct system that sounds as good as a preamp driven system. Almost everyone I know, whether in the business or just consumers, still run preamps in their system even if only a digital or server based front end. A good digital front end, DAC and tube preamp appears to be staying around for the foreseeable future.
I have been in this industry for almost twenty years and designing tube gear for 15 years so I have been exposed to countless system combinations.
Preamps, tube or SS, will be around for a long time.
It is true most digital gear has the 'drive' to eliminate a preamp but to me, I have yet to hear any source direct system that sounds as good as a preamp driven system. Almost everyone I know, whether in the business or just consumers, still run preamps in their system even if only a digital or server based front end. A good digital front end, DAC and tube preamp appears to be staying around for the foreseeable future.
I have been in this industry for almost twenty years and designing tube gear for 15 years so I have been exposed to countless system combinations.
Preamps, tube or SS, will be around for a long time.