I'm not sure that it is accurate to say that a good preamp makes the sound better. It is probably more accurate to say that a really good preamp allows what was already there in the signal to get through better than a cheap one will. It is closer to the ideal "straight wire with gain"
Try borrowing a really good used preamp from a local dealer on the basis that you are interested in buying it if it improves your listening experience, and see what you find out.
And it doesn't (necessarily) have much to do with whether the amplification is solid state or tube (I run one system with each and find them both to be very good).
Try borrowing a really good used preamp from a local dealer on the basis that you are interested in buying it if it improves your listening experience, and see what you find out.
And it doesn't (necessarily) have much to do with whether the amplification is solid state or tube (I run one system with each and find them both to be very good).