Preamp Noob has a question

"I'm looking for that ever elusive extra transparency and detail. Can I get it with a preamp? "

No doubt pre-amp can be a factor for this. You'd have to give something a try, but I suspect for under $1000 you can make a difference, with a SS or even tube preamp.

Parasound Halo P3s can be had for under $600, and they punch way above their weight, and come with a remote, if that's important to you. NAD's current pre-amp, the c 165, should go for less than $1000 used, but I hardly ever see them for sale, and when they do pop up they're gone in a day. Anthem's TLP 1 is also rare, but can be had under $1000 used. A lot of people really like the Adcom GFP 750s, there's one for sale now on this site.
If having a remote is important to you, be sure the used unit you are purchasing comes with the remote. Somtimes it can be difficult to obtain one after-market if the unit you're buying is out of production.

The A S2000 is a different beast than your AX596, there is no comparison. Meaning The 2000 is better. There are plenty of amp/pre combinations that compete with it, but my guess is that you would be happier with the A S2000 than having any part of the AX596 involved.

No doubt you are 100% correct Timlub. I would love to have an A-S2000. But, 2000 is also what it cost! I'm thinking I can get a performance upgrade for less than half that if I buy a good, used preamp. Or, maybe an A-S1000. Same power amp section as the A-S2000. Different preamp section. Why does this hobby have to be so full of difficult choices? LOL.....thanks for the help guys!

I'd do the pre-amp upgrade and see what that does. That also sets you up down the road for using a dedicated amp rather than integrated amp section, which might also have something to offer. Decent integrateds with pre-amp out and amp in connections make fantastic spares to keep around in case needed.