Another of the endless discussions that combines 2 eternal and un resolvable issues
First issue-perceived value. As in why do two pieces of gear that perform the same function vary so widely in price?
Second issue-do preamps do anything? And is it worth paying for what they may do?
My cut to the chase answer—there is enough perception amongst a critical mass of listeners to sustain an industry that caters to offering these differences to suit various tastes amongst consumers. There are also enough consumers that perceive these differences, and are interested enough in them, to sustain multiple internet sites to discuss these differences.
Some people claim that they cannot hear the difference that a preamp makes, or that they cannot tell the difference between 2 pieces of gear. If that is the case, those people are to be pitied, because they are not able to have the enjoyment that the rest of us do in relishing these differences. Those individuals are better served getting product reviews from a source such as Consumer Reports. When they constantly hector others by in effect saying, since I cannot perceive a difference, no such difference exists and the rest of you are deluded,
then they are irritating.
As others have said, no amount of words can change this, because one has to be able to hear the difference. And no wiser advice than “so don’t buy it” can be offered to the non-believer
