I also compared the two preamps. The Ref. preamp adds about 10-15% improvement in sound, a little more natural, better bass definition, better detail and sound stage and a little warmer sounding overall. If you could get a great deal on one, the answer to your question is yes, if not, then no. There maybe other preamps from CJ, Hovland or First Sound that may have the same sonic characteristics of the Ref. 1 for a little less, but I have not compared them directly myself.