I have been thinking for a long time about moving up to a Torii MKIII, the CS84SE has proven the Zen concept and I need more juice. Thinking about selling my ARC SP-11 and using another pre-amp I have for the phono section and then running the Oppo straight into the Torrii. We actully only use two sources now days and as long as I have a phono stage this seems like it would work out. Question for all the Torii MKIII owners, do most of you run straight into the amp or use a pre-amp? I am looking to get back into having the system breath music like it does when I use the little Zen.  The amp I am using most of the time now is a NYAL Moscode 300 that George Kaye did a full upgrade on last year. I sounds really good in the system but the overall system doesn't breathe music like a SET based amp system does. Thoughts? Input? This forum has been a wealth of guideance and knowledge and look forward to hearing from you. Thanks, Chris

Pre amp here. More control in general, particularly at lower volumes. Have no problems whatsoever using the Torii without one but things just sound better with the pre in the chain. By the way it's an Artemis LA-1 for anybody keeping score. In any event you will love the Torii.

I use the MKIII with no pre these days. I used it with a Zstage (which I guess you could call a Pre) a long time, but with Tranquility DAC have not been since it is a little hot voltage-wise with the Zstage. For me, it is only a matter of tastes. No need for the pre stage.