So I was lucky enough to compare a few preamps and this would’ve been really really helpful before I bought mine.
But at the time, the preamps I wanted to purchase were not available at dealers and if this was the case highly unlikely I could compare them with other preamps that would also need to be available. So what everyone seems to be left with is taking a chance hoping that it will sound OK. Because each component is colored so much, the marketing materials in all their glory are only good for seeing what’s the thing looks like.
You order a very very expensive preamp from a dealer who doesn’t have it on hand, and some do, and then you take delivery and convince yourself it was wonderful.
I have never liked dealers having to buy all of the equipment before selling. It would be nice if manufacturers furnish these items but I understand this may not be practical. Dealers would love to have the stuff and they could probably sell a lot more of it if they did.
So direct to customer sales from manufacturers would seem a very worthwhile outcome toward greater success.
Lots of the time you call up the manufacturer and talk to them and then decide to buy it and have the paperwork processed for a drop ship or whatever, by the dealer.
