https://forum.audiogon.com/posts/2716162
Why would you say a pre-amplifier should not make a difference? Generally, sources have weak line-level output. This is not always an issue, but I've always preferred the ability to crank the power amplifier up less in favor of a stro ger input signal. This works REALLY well with things like multimedia speakers who were never given a fair shot. If you poke around you'll see the high-dollar units are always paired with high end sources, while low-slung speaker sets get reviewed on on-board sound, which is so unfair. I've put a DAC and pre-amplifier behind otherwise inexpensive multimedia sets, and the results were very good.