I've been wrestling with preamps for years. If cost weren't an issue, there’d be no problem, but we all have limits. I adored a Cary AE-3 DJH in the mid 2000s. It had a beautiful midrange and commanding low end. That’s when I discovered 6SN7 tubes and transformer-coupled output. The DJH had everything I wanted except too much gain--20dB restricted my volume control. I experimented with attenuators, but that didn't solve the problem. I replaced it with a Belles 21A which was lovely. It still had too much gain (17dB), but volume control was better. At some point, my listening shifted to digital and I thought a preamp/DAC might be a good idea, so I picked up a PS Audio Stellar Gain Cell. I was happy with it for several years, but every time I swapped in the Belles I was reminded of its lush full-bodied midrange. The Belles was nice, but I kept thinking there must be something better if I was willing to spend more. The overwhelming number of Supratek Chardonnay owners caught my attention, so I bought one. It's absolutely wonderful! The sound reminds me of the DJH, but significantly quieter and more detailed. It still has too much gain, but it has adjustable input which solves that problem. 

I don't identify as a hoarder, but when it comes to audio gear, I have a hard time letting go. I currently have eight preamps, three amps, and seven speakers. I need to do some house cleaning. 

As a kid in the late 1970s, I was introduced to Snell Type A and Sansui 9090db at a friend's house. The sound was unbelievable. The magazines were praising Dahlquist DQ-10 at the time, but they were out of my reach. For the past 15 years, I've spent significant time with a friend who has/had Alon Circe, Shahinian Obelisk, Shahinian Hawks, and Magnepan 3.7i  These speakers have had a profound influence on me.