Suggestions on a pre-amp

Hello Folks,

I’m posting this question to those who have had some experience mixing and matching up pre-amps with a variety of differing manufactures equipment.

My system is currently a mish-mash of fairly decent gear… I consider myself a budding audiophile with a lot to learn, but I have been making incremental steps in trying to develop the system to its maximal potential…(while staying under the wife’s radar pertaining to budget…Thank God for Audiogon!)

I am running a pair of Dali MS4 speakers, powered by a Bryston 4bsst pro amplifier, that is handled by a Hafler JFET 945 series pre-amp, that in turn receives its attention from a Marantz SA 11-1 CD player. The interconnects are Audioquest King Cobras (unbalanced RCA’s).

I am pleased with the sound, however I have been wondering if the elder Hafler pre-amp were to be replaced, what might others pair up with a Marantz player or a Bryston amp? Or does the pre-amp really make that much of a difference?

I have been reading good things about the Parasound P-3 pre-amp,($800 new ~ $500 used) but I can find none around to audition.

Lastly, I ask the question can a pre-amp reduce the occurrence of clipping?

Thanks in advance for any information provided. Cheers