It’s odd that you think subscribing to tidal and or Qobuz isn’t worth putting together a quality system. Not true at all.
Also, about asking Paul from PS Audio if a pre is needed, go ahead and up until Paul made a preamp, his recommendation was to use no preamp, just go from the dac to the amp(s). I used to use a $5k preamp when I had both vinyl and digital. When I got rid of all my vinyl, I compared the sq of using a preamp vs hooking up my dac to my amps. If you have a quality dac that is quiet and has the volume you are looking for, and you are only using a digital source, you don’t need a preamp. I sold my preamp and all after market cables associated with using the preamp.
1 more thing, don’t ask a dealer if you need a preamp, try it yourself and let your ears dictate if you need 1