what impacts the sound quality more amp or pre-amp

I think you would be well served by trying the Mapletree Audio preamp previously mentioned $760 new, $800 with Blackgate Capacitor upgrade (Made by a retired E.E. Professor/Audiophlie in Canada). I think you would get the kind of change you are looking for as you described it. Do you know the input impedance of ST202? Should be OK with the Mapletree unless less than 20kohm. The Mapletree is wonderfully smooth and full of tone with its use of the 12sn7 or 6sn7 tube.

My memory could be failing me on all this, I could be mistaken, but if I recall correctly the B&K's ST series, had a rather low input impedance, and a low V input sensitivity for full output. Both of which can make matching a tube pre to a bit tricky. Another concern might be the ability of the B&K's non + ST series of amps ability to handle 4 Ohm loads well.

The nominal impedance of the IIs was 8ohm with 4 minimum. I think the input impedance of the B&K amps was the odd 33.2 kohms (you really have to double check with B&K), the Mapletree get be set with 0-10db or 10-20db gain, so sensitivity should not be an issue, I do think the B&K amps had sensitivity of 1.4v, but should not be an issue with an active line stage.

The nominal impedance of the IIs was 8ohm with 4 minimum. I think the input impedance of the ST202 amps was 24 kohms, the Mapletree has 500ohm output impedance (should be OK)get be set with 0-10db or 10-20db gain, so sensitivity should not be an issue, I do think the B&K amps had sensitivity of 1.4v, but should not be an issue with an active line stage.

I checked my facts for the second posting.