How much do I need to spend to get a preamp that sounds better than no preamp?

@georgehifi 
Yes, that's EXACTLY what you suggested! You said select a gain level and run it wide open! I'm not the only one who read that! Clearly you forgot your own words so I'll remind you"

" I would have thought the least amount noise would come if the master is at or near full for loud listening, then the gain level if it is controlling the "tube gain" it’s then only increasing any noise to a minium level, as tube noise/distortion increases at the same rate as the gain will." 

As Atmasphere pointed out, small signal gain stages are very quiet in general so all you're really netting is the highest possible distortion from the gain stage. You're not even thinking about what you're saying. 

So while you can make good arguments against passive volume controls and uncontrolled cable interactions, these are not a factor in my system. Thus, in my system, my statement above that there is no amount of money that can be spent on a preamp that will sound better that a straight wire, is a perfectly true statement.

@phomchick I agree on the first sentence 100%. But not on the last; most high end audio manufacturers don't support the balanced standard even though XLR connections are used (and to be perfectly clear, I'm not sure whether that includes Oppo). So if you were to add a buffer or active line stage that *does* support the balanced standard, you *may* find that it is an improvement.

If you have to audition the cables to get it to sound right, that's a clue that the balanced standard isn't supported.

Maybe it's time to try an integrated?

Perhaps. I have.

@honashagen   Given the excessive (intrathread) amplitude, are you any closer to an answer? Thanks.

You must spend $9347.87 to sound like no preamp do it asap!!

So while you can make good arguments against passive volume controls and uncontrolled cable interactions, these are not a factor in my system. Thus, in my system, my statement above that there is no amount of money that can be spent on a preamp that will sound better that a straight wire, is a perfectly true statement.

@phomchick I agree on the first sentence 100%. But not on the last; most high end audio manufacturers don’t support the balanced standard even though XLR connections are used (and to be perfectly clear, I’m not sure whether that includes Oppo). So if you were to add a buffer or active line stage that *does* support the balanced standard, you *may* find that it is an improvement.

"6 XLR Balanced Audio Output

"XLR balanced connection offers better common - mode noise rejection and improved signal quality over the RCA connection. If your preamplifier, power amplifier, or active speakers offer XLR balanced inputs, you may use a pair of XLR audio cables to connect the ******** DAC’s XLR Balanced Audio Output to the XLR input of your device."

@atmasphere are you now willing to say that both my statements are 100% true? :-)