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

So while you can make good arguments against passive volume controls and uncontrolled cable interactions, these are not a factor in my system. Thus, in my system, my statement above that there is no amount of money that can be spent on a preamp that will sound better that a straight wire, is a perfectly true statement.

@phomchick I agree on the first sentence 100%. But not on the last; most high end audio manufacturers don't support the balanced standard even though XLR connections are used (and to be perfectly clear, I'm not sure whether that includes Oppo). So if you were to add a buffer or active line stage that *does* support the balanced standard, you *may* find that it is an improvement.

If you have to audition the cables to get it to sound right, that's a clue that the balanced standard isn't supported.

Maybe it's time to try an integrated?

Perhaps. I have.

@honashagen   Given the excessive (intrathread) amplitude, are you any closer to an answer? Thanks.

You must spend $9347.87 to sound like no preamp do it asap!!

So while you can make good arguments against passive volume controls and uncontrolled cable interactions, these are not a factor in my system. Thus, in my system, my statement above that there is no amount of money that can be spent on a preamp that will sound better that a straight wire, is a perfectly true statement.

@phomchick I agree on the first sentence 100%. But not on the last; most high end audio manufacturers don’t support the balanced standard even though XLR connections are used (and to be perfectly clear, I’m not sure whether that includes Oppo). So if you were to add a buffer or active line stage that *does* support the balanced standard, you *may* find that it is an improvement.

"6 XLR Balanced Audio Output

"XLR balanced connection offers better common - mode noise rejection and improved signal quality over the RCA connection. If your preamplifier, power amplifier, or active speakers offer XLR balanced inputs, you may use a pair of XLR audio cables to connect the ******** DAC’s XLR Balanced Audio Output to the XLR input of your device."

@atmasphere are you now willing to say that both my statements are 100% true? :-)

Aside from some technical points made throughout this thread which I find educational, I think the overall conclusions drawn are based on an assessment ultimately made by the listeners’s ears which are subjective by definition. There’s also an an additional degree of confusion since the two different scenarios of source direct to amp and using a passive preamp in between the two seem to be used interchangeably.  It would be more useful to just take a poll and tally the results. And I’m willing to bet my last dollar that most people including me will prefer an active linestage between the source and the amp vs. going direct from the source.