Pre amp recommendations

 Were you using the internal dac on the node?  I’m using the Denefrips Pontus dac and that’s what started me wanting to upgrade more. Much more natural sound. 
Do you think I should still upgrade the node even though I’m using the Pontus dac?

Upgrade streamer first. It’s your weak 🔗.

I was not using the Node’s internal DAC. At the time, I was using a Node that fed into a benchmark DAC3 (DAC and volume control). I swapped the Node for an Aurender N150. You are on the right track, IMO, by focusing on the preamp and the Node. I don’t know which one you should get first. I started with the Node because it was the least expensive item in my chain. My audiophile buddy told me the streamer upgrade would be noticeable because it was for him, and I thought the DAC3 was top-notch - I never considered there would be an improvement with a separate preamp. My audio journey has made me re-think a lot of the opinions I had.

Thank y’all so much. This is great information. Looks like a new pre and streamer on my radar. Any more suggestions welcome. 

Agree with others on the BHK pre.  Rolling tubes is a fun way to play with the sound and maybe get something you like better than the stock tubes.