How much do I need to spend to get a preamp that sounds better than no preamp?

kosst. correct, I cannot read a schematic. However, I have trust in my listening abilities, and this far outweighs any scientific hoopla " in my quest " for better sound. You are just plain ignorant, and I have NO RESPECT for you. In fact, I still find you laughable with all of the argumentative outbursts you continue to belt out here, trying to prove something. As george said, " go away ". There are many people here who are scientific, and I enjoy their responses, but the stance you seem to take is always childish. You take the fun out of this hobby. I cannot imagine you sitting in your listening chair, enjoying your music, as it seems all of your leisure time is spent here ranting. I get a good hour or so, daily, enjoying my listening sessions. So, Enjoy ! MrD.

Don't worry  mrdecibel

 I had to have Nelsons view again, so I emailed him, and asked under "ideal conditions" when only the passive (<3o'clock) is used what happens to the active stage, this is what he said again without revealing what the "patent" part of the circuit was.
So as you can read at 3 o'clock and below in volume all you hear is the source.   

" Under ideal conditions, where attenuation of the tap point is exactly that of the active gain, the active stage disappears, and any setting below that is the source.
Non-ideal case would include distortion, which is attenuated by the ratios of the source impedance, potentiometer impedance and load impedance, the active circuit being s current source."

As I said, kosst had a nerve to question what he said, as he isn't Nelson itch spot.

Cheers George

George, I am not worried about a thing. Thank you for your concern. Enjoy !