Actually, I got a bit confused about not using the built-in preamp but going direct into the amp using the digital volume control. That would be like the Puccini and the Berkeley Alpha DAC. There are some that posit that this internal volume thingy can never match or take the place of a very good preamp.
I have always preferred great preamps in my systems. i have heard the DCS stuff and generally preferred with preamp...not sure why...maybe the volume section not as good? Do not fully understand.