My experience has been with the preamp stage of the PS Audio DSD vs. an Ayre K-5xeMP, PS Audio BHK and Art Audio Conductor. Hands down, the preamps deliver a better sounding signal with a more dynamic soundstage.
Could just be the PS Audio, but there is no doubt that connecting the PS Audio to those three units was better than going amplifier direct. Other units may have better preamp stages than the PS Audio. Additionally, those are all pretty spectacular preamps so with an inferior preamp you may find their is no benefit.
The idea that preamps are obsolete is definitely something I disagree with.
Could just be the PS Audio, but there is no doubt that connecting the PS Audio to those three units was better than going amplifier direct. Other units may have better preamp stages than the PS Audio. Additionally, those are all pretty spectacular preamps so with an inferior preamp you may find their is no benefit.
The idea that preamps are obsolete is definitely something I disagree with.