Try, try before you buy. Find a dealer that has a business model that lets you try, try. That is the only way to tell what difference thee is.
Buying new pre-amp
I'm currently still using my 37 year old Crown IC-150. I was wondering if I will hear any tonal quality improvements if I moved up to a modern pre-amp such as an Emotiva RSP-2. This is the unit I have my eyes on. I know S/N ratios will probably be much better, but will it sound any better through say the CD input which is basically a straight through connection anyway. I know my Music Hall mmf 7 should sound better through the phono input. I'm just figuring, my IC-150 although in mint condition, is all factory old. Any idea's would be helpful. I do have a well trained ear.