Running DCS Vivladi DIRECT?

I know the earlier Ring Dac chips were SE in output, in these the analog SE outputs after the chip sounded better, due to one less amplification stage in the signal path that wasn’t needed. (just like a preamp)

Cheers George

Folkfreak, ,
This is really shaping up into a very interesting listening evaluation. It is essentially a comparison of the quality and implementation of the  ARC REF  and DCS Vivaldi signal pathways.This is fun and informative. Time to put the ears to work😊.
Charles 

@charles1dad 

   +1 it doesn’t get much better than this...I bet both sound sublime yet one will be preferred by a listener.

Shadorne,
Yes, exactly ! I'd expect two different presentations with preference totally dependant on the particular listener. Which sonic flavour appeals more. Subjective by default,  the gift of High End audio. 
Charles 

Yes two different sound will be presented.

1: Either better with preamp, and not so without, which means to me, don't like the sound of the source.

2: Or better without preamp not so good with, which means to me don't like the sound of the preamp.

Cheers George