Yes you can use Visual Studio to change SharePoint 2013 master pages. You can also use Notepad. Basically, any text editor will do, and you no longer have to use SharePoint Designer in order to edit a SharePoint 2013 master page. With tools like Visual Studio or Dreamweaver you get a WYSISYG interface.
This Technet blog post describes how to use Dreamweaver and Design Manager http://blogs.technet.com/b/speschka/archive/2012/07/27/using-dreamweaver-and-design-manager-with-sharepoint-2013.aspx
Here is anther walk-through with Dreamweaver and Design Manager: http://oztripwire.blogspot.co.nz/2013/02/sharepoint-2013-branding-master-and.html