Placette pasive pre vs. BAT VK-50SE


Hello!

I need to connect one source (CD only) to my power amp.
I want to make it as transparently (without adding or subtracting anything from the signal) as it is possible.

What would be better - a high quality passive pre, like Placette RVC or an active preamp, like BAT VK-50SE?

Have you tried both or any similar configuration in your system?
mrgigi

I have a Placette and have heard the VK-50SE extensively. The Placette is almost completely neutral and the VK-50SE (runs hot and sucks a lot of electricity) while also neutral, adds its character: lean, detailed and dynamic to the music and is a bit hard and processed sounding. And it seems to work sound best using balanced outputs with the VK-75SE or VK-60.

Another better option is to buy a cd player that has an analog output. You will be surprised at how much more purity/transparency you can get by using one less interconnect. Check the threads for comments on the Audio Aero Capitole and Resolution Audio.
mrgigi, with only one source what you need is the Placette RVC (remote volume control) which i use and am told sounds the same as the Placette passive pre. I have tried the BAT50SE in my system and prefer the Placette although in some systems the BAT50SE can have a better balance with added weight and body.

i have compared the Placette RVC to the volume control in the Audio Aero Capitole 192/24 version 1 and preferred the Placette RVC. the volume control in the Capitole added a coloration and obscured detail. again, in some systems this "warmth" may be preferrable. you do need the additional interconnect as Ultrakaz mentions but that has far less effect on the sound than the mediocre volume control that Audio Aero uses. it is important to keep the interconnect from the Placette to the amp as short as possible to reduce/eliminate any impedence problems.
Hey Mike, does the Placette RVC good to use when you have a preamp without its own remote control option?