I’ve had my Jr for about a year now and tried it as a preamp a couple of months ago just to experiment. I typically use it as a D/A only into my Yamaha AS3000 integrated amp via balanced connection. Using the Jr’s preamp function I have to connect single ended into the Yamaha since its preamp input is only single ended, so not a true apples to apples comparison but close.
Upon first listen it seemed just as good but the longer I listened the less fleshed out the sound seemed. I switched back and forth over the course of a few days and ultimately preferred the Jr as a D/A only. Just to level the playing field a little I connected the Jr as a D/A via single ended input (not balanced like I would typically do) so it was a fairer comparison, but still preferred the Jr. as a D/A only versus preamp. Not terribly scientific but that was my conclusion, could easily go another direction for another listener.
Upon first listen it seemed just as good but the longer I listened the less fleshed out the sound seemed. I switched back and forth over the course of a few days and ultimately preferred the Jr as a D/A only. Just to level the playing field a little I connected the Jr as a D/A via single ended input (not balanced like I would typically do) so it was a fairer comparison, but still preferred the Jr. as a D/A only versus preamp. Not terribly scientific but that was my conclusion, could easily go another direction for another listener.