I think most will agree that a decent preamp will improve your system. I think the cheap boxes will have a negative effect. The Freya as recommended is a good place to start, or try the https://www.schiit.com/products/kara if you don’t want the tubes. I have owned a Freya, and it is an excellent product for the price.
Pre-amp vs gain control box help please
I have a streamer and also an amp (no gain controls). I don’t use much else. I do have a Sony HapZ1es NAS that maybe I will find the time to put some music on.
(1) Just use the cheap switch and gain control boxes I already have (Amazon cheap Chns
(2) Red Rose Music 3a preamp but it does not have any XLR’s. I would have to use XLR /rca cable but as you know, eliminates balanced outs
What would you recommend? Would my two cheap boxes (gain control and a,b,c switch) decrease or increase noise in this chain? Is there less distortion in a pre-amp of $2,000 quality?