As Gammajo notes, safety is one very good reason to leave a cover on the preamp (or any electronic device with 120V running into it).
Joseph has told me about another benefit of keeping the cover on the unit: it helps the signal to noise by minimizing radiation distribution within the unit. If all other factors are held constant, the signal to noise will be better with the cover on the preamp.
The Audio Horizons chassis is quite rigid. I like, especially, the welds at the chassis corners which greatly enhance the rigidity. I have not sensed any audible vibration from the cover of my preamp. However, if that is a concern to you then do use some adhesive backed damping strips. Doing so can only enhance the benefits of the preamp.
Joseph has told me about another benefit of keeping the cover on the unit: it helps the signal to noise by minimizing radiation distribution within the unit. If all other factors are held constant, the signal to noise will be better with the cover on the preamp.
The Audio Horizons chassis is quite rigid. I like, especially, the welds at the chassis corners which greatly enhance the rigidity. I have not sensed any audible vibration from the cover of my preamp. However, if that is a concern to you then do use some adhesive backed damping strips. Doing so can only enhance the benefits of the preamp.

