$7000 preamp vs $700 receiver - Is the difference THAT significant?

@douglas_schroeder  I keep pushing away from the thread, and the thread keeps drawing me back.  :)

I am well aware of the various components that comprise "the experience".  And I have experienced upgrades in my system (speaker cable upgrades) that have provided (in my view), dumbfounding improvements in SQ.  

In this pursuit, I know that the "Blue Meters" do not add to SQ.  But they CERTAINLY add to the visceral facet to this complex landmine of a topic.

I've been masking much of my experience in audio gear, as well as much of my bias... (having been an audio sales guy back in the late 90's)... insofar as to elicit the broad range of opinions that I expected, and was presented with.  I'm "not current", and "things change" in the industry.

All of this has both confirmed that while "everything changes", it all stays the same.  To that end, I am pushing forward with a "Blue Meter" preamp, as I know deep down, that anything else will not leave me with the "warm fuzzy" that nostalgia, and my gut, desire.

I'm sure I'll be happy with what shows up.  And desire some more upgrades in the future.

Isn't that what this HOBBY is all about?

@rabbottmke 

yes what is important is to do what makes you happy

you got all kinds of points of view

now do what you want so you're happy

nothing else matters

“Nothing Else Matters”. Why does Qobuz have loads of  Metallica but Tidal has zero?  Sucks big time.

To answer you question.,....YES...big difference.

Theory of Relativity at its best.
Took my bil into one of our stores years ago so he could hear what a 100K system sounded like. Mostly ARC stuff thru big Wilsons..
He sheepishly turned to me and said "It sounds like my Bose but not quite as good."