2. amps-preamps
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Less is more? Premium passive linestage... HELP

It doesn't necessarily have to be most expensive (but I wouldn't rule out $$$ units solely on price) but must have high build quality and excellent "guts."
I'm completely re-building my system and strongly considering a cdp w/volume control to go directly to amp (which I did quite happily for 13 years)...but I'm torn between that and the practicality of accessing a tuner and tv/video programming, as well. In other words, I'd like to know the choices which (I'm no DIY-guy) would provide high quality switching flexibility and minimal sonic degradation (I'm considering an Accuphase 75v and Piega 10s).
(Please, no thread hijacking this into a passive vs. active, or $$ correlation w/quality, issue.).
128x128jayme
ed_sawyer
588 posts
 
Third recommendation for John @ Bent Audio. He's a great guy to work with and the S&B tranny volume controls *are* among the best to be had at any price. I have a pair going into a new preamp being built which will go with these amps: http://www.electronluv.com/ , built by the same guy of course (Josh). It will be debuting at T.H.E. show (the preamp).

-Ed
msa
35 posts
 
I was doing just what you propose: accuphase 75v into (in my case)a SF Power 2. Sounded great, until I put a Placette volume control in between; now it sounds "greater". Seriously, this is a wonderful passive control that I recommend highly.
creeper
251 posts
 
I've had great results running a Reference Line Audio passive pre. The build quality and aesthetic appeal is excellent. They are out of business (for now), but any good tech could fix one of these (very simple design). They can be found used quite reasonably. Happy listening.
wizard
7 posts
 
Try the Luminous audio Axiom. Single input only! Great transparency with the caddock resistors. Tim is a great guy to deal with. I had a need for more inputs and am selling mine for 90.00. This has the more expensive volume control with the caddocks. Can't be beat for the price. He has them on ebay and is advertising that it is the best sounding preamp under 3000.00. He could be right! good luck and email me if interested.
eagle
154 posts
 
Another recommendation for Placette. The passive linestage, at less than one third the price, took my system up a notch or two when it replaced a class A active preamp. There have been no trade-offs I have been able to detect with the Placette.
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