A few comments- I agree- these threads seem to be like dropping a pebble in a puddle- within ten minutes every possible fringe response is posted and the thread is w-a-y off base with comments that are not relevant, often controversial or confrontational.
Unfortunately the same thing happens on every social media site it seems- really unsettling to see how people think and feel from behind the anonymity of their keyboards and how much personal info they're happy to share publicly, engage in name calling, politics etc.
In regards to a pre-amp- I have a Pass 250.8, Focal Sopra 2, REL s5/SHO and PS Audio DSD Jr. I run a Pass XP10 and it sounds great. Very quiet, neutral and musical. Built like a tank as is the metal remote for it. I bought it used on Audiogon for around $2500 as I recall. I stream Tidal and Quboz via Roon and don't need a phono stage...