Do I even need a dedicated stereo preamp?

Hey OP

I had the opportunity to own some of your gear. I had the Benchmark LA4 combined with 2 x AHB2. my speakers however where ATCSCM 11. I used it for about 1 year and I figured out, AND this is me, it's just too "clinical" for my taste. 

so, I ventured into Tube Preamps as I did not want to lose the AHB2. I sold the LA4 and got the Schilit Freya+ and that is where my audio Journey started

as you have stated, you like True to source, detailed retrieving and BIG soundstage. and I believe your speakers (Tekton with a lot of speakers and sensitive) driven by your Purify amp will just do that. I am not fond of using AVR as preamps. period. Been there and done that. I owned Denon and Marantz AVR and all these AVR seems to affect the overall impact of the music. the impact may be profound or subtle, nevertheless it has an impact

I also own the Eversolo DMPA6 Gen 2, coming from a Gen 1. Yep, they do sound very very good.

My suggestions are the following options. 1) due to your tight budget, Use the DMP A6 as your digital source and Pre-amp. directly connect this to your Purify amp. Listen to it for a few weeks. then return it back to the original configuration. you will hear a change. then choose. 2) second option, go get a Schiit audio Preamp called Freya +. I also own this and is my standby Pre-amp. it has options you will like, and the cost is not too steep. it will allow you to choose direct to connect OR use Tubes to flavor the music. 

The La4 is a great Preamp, kind of expensive and may be too much for your current gear, so I suggest that you look into just using the Eversolo as your preamp and as 2nd option, use Schiit gear,

GOOD LUCK. your gear sounds great as it is

The A6 DAC will hold you back... great as streamer only, but not the DAC.

I do only use it as a streamer. I'm using the holo audio cyan 2 as the dac. 

I was also gonna mention the Freya but it doesn’t have a real HT bypass although there is an easy workaround for that.

Whats the workaround? 

@musical404  I think you already know the answer to your own question.  It’s just a matter of how willing you are to go ahead and expend the time, effort, and budget to improve the sound quality of your audio system.  If you’re content enough with what you already have, then just stay put, and enjoy.  Happy listening.

Agree with kennymacc. Suggest you connect with a friend and see if you can borrow a half-decent pre-amp and just try it for an evening or longer.

I was excited to directly connect my Pegasus Musician DAC to my Shanling tube power monoblocs with gain control... fully anticipating the sonic advantages of a cleaner path. It just didn't sound as good as before and when I reverted to adding my ancient Rega Cursa 1 back in the chain the beautiful sound was restored. The difference in sound was very real (less 'life'?) and immediately noticeable - both ways. I really wasn't expecting that and chances are good you will see a positive difference too.