Thinking of adding a preamp to an integrated...

Hi--

I have a DK VS-1 integrated amp which I'm enjoying a lot, but it's not too generous with line inputs. I could use a couple more inputs to run a DVD player, a second CD player, etc. Also wondered whether a decent preamp would enhance the system's sound.

I have No experience with separate preamps, so bear with me:

1. do I simply connect the "pre out" on the preamp to any "line in" on the amp? Then when I switch the amp to that input, will the preamp feed be live and I can use its input selecter to cycle through the components connected to the preamp? Or is there more to it? Does an amp used in this way require anything special?

2. Should I just get an inexpensive preamp to run these relatively lo-fi sources, or should I aim higher and try to run all my sources (mainly Music Hall Maverick SACD/CD and a turntable to be bought eventually) through it? Is there any way to estimate how much I would need to spend on the preamp to improve upon the system's sound?

Thanks for any help!