The future of preamps

I haven't read all the responses but so far, preamp seem to be holding their own. I for one will always use a preamp. A tube preamp. Regardless of the amplifier being used, I think a preamp will not only provide better sonics but also serve other purposes as well.
It is true most digital gear has the 'drive' to eliminate a preamp but to me, I have yet to hear any source direct system that sounds as good as a preamp driven system. Almost everyone I know, whether in the business or just consumers, still run preamps in their system even if only a digital or server based front end. A good digital front end, DAC and tube preamp appears to be staying around for the foreseeable future.
I have been in this industry for almost twenty years and designing tube gear for 15 years so I have been exposed to countless system combinations.
Preamps, tube or SS, will be around for a long time.

Response34,
I wish you continued sucess with your Purity Audio components, people love your various models of Line stages.
Charles,

Active preamp or bust! It is key to a well put together system!

@ charles1dad, Thanks for your response, Hey, Did you hear tube magic when you listened to the m-1?, I ask this because, I have had 6h30 tubes before, LOL!, sounded to much like solid state than tube magic compaired to the 12au7 and 12ax7 tubes!, I like a little tubey sound, If a tube componet is so nuetral, whats the since in having the tube componet?, I would do solid state then.

What is your definition of tube magic? Some people like myself prefer transparency and neutrality, I like the sound to be as close to the source as possible. Most of the magic is in the recording itself. The job of the system is to reproduce the recorded sound as faithfully as possible.

Atma-Sphere products are among the most transparent I have heard. Yet unlike many solid state components, they render a very life like presentation which I believe has always been a big advantage well designed tube circuits enjoy over solid state. They also expose bad recordings, but that is a trade off I will take any day. If by using the term "tubey" you mean warmth and coloration then Atma-Sphere products might not be for you.

It might be more to your benefit to seek out older Cary preamps like an SLP-98 or older Conrad Johnson preamps. These will provide a warm and somewhat syrupy sound that some people prefer. However, based on my experience they just sound warm and fat in comparison to highly transparent tube components. If you have the opportunity audition both types of preamps and hear the difference for yourself.

Disclaimer: I have been a very satisfied Atma-Sphere customer and am now an Atma-Sphere dealer.