Have Passive Preamps Finally Come of Age?


Back in the late 90s (eons ago) I tried a variety of passive preamps (PPs). The most musical was an autoformer, but back then my system was not balanced. For the last decade I have been using active preamps, both tube and solid state, but finding a quality balanced preamp under $4K is damn near impossible. Enter the Parasound P5 (2.1), which in addition to having balanced I/Os, it has a separate bass management circuit (MSRP $1095), and I was hoping it would provide better control over the built in class D plates incorporated into my 2 SVS powered subs, whose volume controls are STUPIDLY sensitive: when barely cracked from zero they overwhelm. Alas, no bueno. 

Recently i watched a PS Audio YT video that was emphatic about NOT connecting powered subs with interconnects; instead he recommends speaker cables piggybacked off the main systems amp/s. I had a spare set of DIY flat copper cables, and was shocked how much better they sounded, but doing so did not change the  volume control problem and unfortunately this id not bypass the SVS amps whose class D chips are now ancient. Thinking there could be an impedance problem led me to revisit PPs.

I sold my P5 and was using the XLR outs from my Oppo 105 (upgraded power supply and IEC/wiring to the power supply) direct to my Emerald Physics 100.2SEs (class D). The noise floor dropped tremendously, allowing me a much better view into the music. My Core Power Technologies 1800 PLC had more than a little to do with this, but...  

Days of PP research later, I came across LDRs, which seem like the ultimate PP option, but XLR versions are ~ $2K and up, with the Tortuga coming in at $2700, seems like a true SOTA bargain, just not in my current budget. Scouring the' for sale' sites I came across a Hattor XLR (MSRP $995) which was in my price range. Hattor's www had links to 2 reviews both were extremely positive: one used it in combination with a class D amp. Bingo! I snapped it up.

It arrived late yesterday, although Hattor's www pictures look awesome, they do not compare to seeing and touching it. The metal carrying case was an indication of the designer's dedication. This is an etremely well made piece of kit, but how does it sound? Alas it came with no manual and Hattor's site does not have a PDF. How hard can it be to hook up? Well, after a couple scary minutes, I discovered that it would not light up until I connected the 105. 

Stone cold, the first thing that shocked me was a further reduction in noise floor and an incredibly wide and deep sound stage, but as can be expected, it was dry. Fingers crossed, in about a half hour I began to be rewarded with texture as well. Tis only got better as the night wore on

I hope somebody chimes in with their Tortuga experience, or any other high quality PP information.that goes under the reporting radar. 
tweak1
I feel like people are going to get the wrong impression of the P 5.  First of all, it’s not the lowest in Parasound’s lineup, that would be from their mini Z Custom line.  Next up is the Classic 2100 pre.  Then, sitting at the mid way point is the Halo P5.  Eric, I don’t know if you have owned either the P5 or P7, but I have owned both.  The P5 provided imaging that had a solid depth to it with good source material.  Yes it’s solidly in the mid fi camp, but it was far better than the Nad C375BEE if comparing pre section to pre.  The 

the P7 never gave me that 3D imaging, mind you that was back when I believed the nonsense that cables don’t make a difference.  I also never got strong bass presence with the P7 for some reason, and I can’t allow myself to blame the amp I had at the time, the A21.

Maybe I’m out to lunch, but I have respect for what the P5 did for me.

Tweak1
Could you please expound on your "opening statement" concerning the "lack of soul"?
I didn't understand.
Thanks
Sorry erik! Yes it was meant for you.

213runnin. I started with the P 3 > then the P5 2.1 for the separate bass management circuit, which apparently does not interface with powered subs inputs. My plan all along was to eventually own a JC 2, but I could never put together enough money, even for the rare used one.
after selling the P 5 I had to use my Oppo 105 direct outs to my amps, and began to see how colored the P 5 was. The light went off, so I revisited passives.

I owned several passives some 15 years ago, but they didn't do it for me. But like class D amps, passives have come a long long way. The Hattor is a case in point. Pure dual mono XLR MSRP $995!
jadedavid. Let me try being abstract, a female robot (aka fembots) might look like a real woman but have no soul, or spirit. Soul might be better known as PRAT  https://www.bing.com/search?q=PRAT%20audio%20anacronym&pc=cosp&ptag=G6C999ACB2464B1B9&fo...

hth
I`m using a Tortuga Audio passive preamp and I thinks it sounds pretty darn nice ! 
I use a 6sn7 tube based buffer with it.