JB, whoever told you that doesn't have much of a grasp of the audibility of noise and distortion. Pre-amplifiers which typically have a gain of about 12-16dB are quite simple devices as audio equipment goes and any of those in receivers of the quality which we would seriously consider(including all those you listed)have noise and distortion numbers below audibility. If one of them(or a separate pre-amplifier)has a noise level a few dB lower than another this is of no audible significance. Tests of receivers typically demonstrate noise levels(even including the amplification stage)below audibility and therefore operate transparently. Sound quality of basic pre-amplification(i.e., before processing)is a given and can't be used as a determining factor in a purchase decision.
The processing which is designed to change the sound can be a determining factor,of course, and if you're willing to spend the money, in my view you should acquire a receiver with the top Audyssey MultEQ XT32 version. Units presently available with this include the Denon 4311 and Onkyo 3008. Either of these would serve you very well and a choice between them could well depend simply on price.
