How much do I need to spend to get a preamp that sounds better than no preamp?

I am not sure why I have decided to post on this thread but I figured maybe something I had to say might add some value. I really don’t care why someone might prefer added gain in their system and who might not. Go check out this thread and figure out it where I come from:

http://forum.audiogon.com/discussions/lightspeed-attenuator-best-preamp-ever?highlight=best%2Bpreamp%2Bever

I will say this and let the rest of you go off on your tangents. For my digital set up I have had the best results with a source direct to amp (Resolution Audio Cantata to Music Reference RM-10 or RM-200) or the Lightspeed Attenuator in between numerous digital sources to those same two amplifiers, plus a few others. The Lightspeed is my favorite of a bunch of passive preamps I have owned (this includes The Truth - actually an active buffer, Slagle, and others). It’s been in my systems for about 8 years now. I have even used it successfully in analog set ups.

Now on that note I will say for analog the extra gain can be helpful, although if there is a way I would readily opt out. In addition to vinyl I play analog reel tape. For those sources I use an Atma-Sphere MP-3 active linestage with RIAA and IEC/CCIR 15IPS EQ. I also use a Beveridge RM 1 with RM 2 power supply, a DeHavilland tape head preamp (IEC/NAB EQ), and a Music Reference RIAA and IEC/CCIR 15 IPS phono/tape head preamp. In addition to the previously mentioned amps I have Atma-Sphere and Music Reference OTL amps that I use with both the analog and digital sources. I have a bunch of other stuff too since I biamp. Can’t wait until I get my direct drive amps for my ESLs. Game over as far as I’m concerned.

I am here to tell you it all works and sounds great in my system whether I am going fully balanced, fully single ended, or mixed. The biggest thing I am concerned with is the amp/speaker interface. My speakers are either ESLs (57s, Music Reference, Acoustat Model 2 - modified by Roger Modjeski) or Spendor 1/2e. With all I have to work with I have no issues finding the right match. My advice is obviously go with what you feel sounds best, but if it were me and all I listened to were digital, direct from source to amp or a passive between the two is the way I would go and I would take care to ensure there would be no impedance or cable artifacts coloring the sound (not really hard to do if you think about it).

@georgehifi The direct drive amps I will use won't have output transformers and will put out 5000V to the panels. I've heard them in another system and cannot believe the clarity. It's really scary. Also, good for you for calling out McGowan and that BHK preamp. Which leads me to this: Seriously, we're quoting Paul McGowan around here now? Things have gotten a bit worse on this forum than I suspected. BTW - IIRC Paul's former partner Stan Warren designed a nice passive/active buffer in the early days of PS Audio. In my opinion they were a better company back then.

Hi Al, hopefully you already knew this but to be clear I was not attacking you, it was more a reflection of my opinion of Paul McGowan's comments, which I'm not even going to bother to take the time to address. I think George's comment says a lot in that regard.

In my opinion, the most relevant comments on the need for an active preamp are those made by Ralph.