High end stereo preamps? Worth it?

I agree with hide45, the Quicksilver linestage is a terrific value. I have both versions of the Quicksilver preamps, the remote and the non remote. They are both great, the non remote is probably a little better in imaging, although there is very new version of the remote that apparently is as good as the non remote. Very reliable as well

@alfa100

my experience exactly with Antelope Zodiac Platinum +10m. If the phono preamp has enough gain even analogue sounds better through the Zodiac than the preamp.

I have a audio research ref 5 preamp on one system and a boulder 810 on another.   I couldn’t see living without them.   I’m using the LUMIN family of streamer/DACs.   
I recently purchased a benchmark lA4 to match up with a first watt SIT 3, and I find the benchmark to be quite remarkable regardless of its relatively low cost.   

Look no further than the Audio Illusions Modulus 3B w the Curl MC phono stage. I’ve tried a lot of the above pre amps, and the M3B is, by far, the best for the money (did someone say best?). 
Disclosure: Currently running Lamm ML2.1s, ARC CD9se, and W/P 8s. 

Paul McGowan used to think that the best preamp is no preamp, i.e. only level control. He's a convert. He's a firm believer that "a great preamp is essential. Its contribution to overall sound quality cannot be ignored."