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

honashagen04-22-2018 6:18pm

403 responses Add your response

schubert Details Discussions Posts This discussion Message User 7,386 posts 09-29-2018 at 05:54pm Copy Comment URL Report Comment Edit Delete About 500$ for a Bottleneck kit .
honashagen OP Details Discussions Posts This discussion Message User 137 posts 10-04-2018 at 11:31pm Copy Comment URL Report Comment Edit Delete No preamp? I was a fool!
audioman58 Details Discussions Posts This discussion Message User 3,925 posts 10-04-2019 at 11:21am Copy Comment URL Report Comment Edit Delete Your CD player is holding you back for sure ,the oppo is very good but , look into the new Lampizator. Amber3 vacuum tube dac l enjoy the music comes just came out with a Rave li bought the demo model ,it came with a 2 week audition ,after a 24 hr warm up I sold my very good ps audio $6k dac lithe Amber 3 is $2750 and has a 5 year transferrable warranty ,and bu upgrading the rectifier tube ,and 12au7 tube ,and fuse makes it even better still read the review ,