"I am looking for a neutral true to the music sound.."
I may be in the minority here but the main reasons for getting a preamp are multiple inputs, volume control, extra gain, and perhaps more importantly, the "flavor" it could add to the music. If your objective is something true to music which is difficult to measure anyway, you should definitely audition before you buy. I also wouldn't rule out a passive preamp if you can find one to fit into your system.
I may be in the minority here but the main reasons for getting a preamp are multiple inputs, volume control, extra gain, and perhaps more importantly, the "flavor" it could add to the music. If your objective is something true to music which is difficult to measure anyway, you should definitely audition before you buy. I also wouldn't rule out a passive preamp if you can find one to fit into your system.