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


Hello all.
I'm using an Audible Illusions L1 preamp and I think my system sounds better when I remove it from the signal path. Oppo BD105 directly to SMC Audio DNA1 Gold power amp. I have read that there is level of quality you need to hit before there will be an improvement in sound. I can't seem to find what that level is. Any ideas?
Thanks in advance,
Ben
honashagen
From Oppo tech:

The BDP-105 players will not lose resolution since they are 32-bit DACs. So they are the ideal solution if you want to go direct to an amplifier.

Clio09 5-25-2018
Seriously, we’re quoting Paul McGowan around here now? Things have gotten a bit worse on this forum than I suspected.
Hi Anthony,

As the saying goes, don’t attack the person making the argument, attack the argument.

Regards,
-- Al
more... 6moons reviewed the Kuzma. It validated many of the things I am now/finally hearing by running signal direct from my 105 outs to amps

Still, I guess I am programmed to place something inbetween, which is why I want a money back guarantee