Years ago I had a Wadia 850. Running direct. When I added a BAT VK50SE, more dynamics, bigger,wider, deeper stage, better extension.
The preamp cost more than the Wadia. So yes it was better. And yes I bought the BAT preamp. The BAT preamp has since stayed now for 9-10 yrs (upgraded along the way to a 51se) Wadia long ago sold.
However if you are just running a cd only system, the Wadia is pretty darn good and you can get great sound less a preamp, less one more set of cables.
In the end, my opinion to you is a good preamp will help improve the sound. But so will other upgrades...
The preamp cost more than the Wadia. So yes it was better. And yes I bought the BAT preamp. The BAT preamp has since stayed now for 9-10 yrs (upgraded along the way to a 51se) Wadia long ago sold.
However if you are just running a cd only system, the Wadia is pretty darn good and you can get great sound less a preamp, less one more set of cables.
In the end, my opinion to you is a good preamp will help improve the sound. But so will other upgrades...