DS and a recent acquired passive pre here.
I previously had the DSj and then after the DS (senior), with the built-in attenuator engaged, directly connected to a power amp.
There was no other way due to DS high noise floor (very disturbing at nocturnal listening levels, but manageable at daytime volumes), and due to system overall gain (without the ATT, at night, I would only listen at about 5 on the DS volume).
But I always felt I was losing something with the ATT engaged, when I turned it off from time to time.
With the move, I now set my DS on fixed magical 92 (with Sunlight) without the ATT and make the necessary adjustments on the passive pre. Outstanding! No more noise issues, a much more precise volume control, and several other aspects improved.
If it wasn’t for the DS noise floor, must certainly I would have kept it direct.
But, from all I’ve experienced, having the DS with the ATT off and volume fixed at 92, unleashes its full potential.
Just my experience.