it's a mistake to think that a preamp is not additive or subtractive. since no components are perfect, all are additive and/or subtractive. the colorations of some may be more difficult to detect. after careful listening , i beleiev it is possible to determine the sonic personality of any component.
if you approach component selection with the idea that all have flaws, you will listen until you find that component which complements your sonic preference, without concern for accuracy.
if you approach component selection with the idea that all have flaws, you will listen until you find that component which complements your sonic preference, without concern for accuracy.