what's 'Active preamp' vs 'Passive preamp'?

I thought all preamps are passive in nature, and I heard the term 'active peamp?

what does it mean? how they are different?

eandylee06-21-2007 6:37pm

ozzy Details Discussions Posts This discussion Message User 7,564 posts 06-23-2007 at 03:14pm Copy Comment URL Report Comment Edit Delete Eandylee, I am now using my APL CD Player direct to my Pass Amp and it is better than when I used a Melos Preamp. Sound is purer. Plus, as was mentioned, I eliminated one power cord, interconnect, rack space .