Now that many DACs provide the option of volume controlled outputs, in a digital system, the DAC can potentially be used as a preamp. Unfortunately, the sensitivity of many amps is too low to be fully driven by a DAC's RCA/XLR outputs.
I haven't seen this issue mentioned anywhere.
It's worth noting that the Topping A90 completely resolves problem. If you have a current DAC with digital volume control, the A90 can be set at mid gain and near/at max volume. The result is a preamp with SOTA performance and a DAC's perfect channel-matched volume control; plus, you also get a SOTA headphone amp for free.
I haven't seen this issue mentioned anywhere.
It's worth noting that the Topping A90 completely resolves problem. If you have a current DAC with digital volume control, the A90 can be set at mid gain and near/at max volume. The result is a preamp with SOTA performance and a DAC's perfect channel-matched volume control; plus, you also get a SOTA headphone amp for free.