Passive pre-amp any good???

I went from a modest powered preamp (Forte model 2) to using a separate phono preamp unit (benz pp1) with a passive pre unit and the difference was night and day in terms of expanded, not reduced dynamics, better and lower bass information, wider deeper soundstage, cleaner more revealed information. I would never go back to an active preamp unless it was one of those $10k plus designs (FM accoustics or something like that) it would have to rival the passive. Only thing with the passive is that you cannot get that extra very high volume (if you want to play loud rock) but that can be overcome with efficient speakers. ( I have a pair of Jbl L-200's for that purpose)

P.S., the airtight amps.. don't they offer a volume control anyway? they are supposed to be exceedingly good. First Sound is one of the best passive preamps around and is highly recommended

A good passive will not limit your dynamics or roll off the frequency extremes. Also, most sources today will drive any power amp to clipping. Gain is rarely needed (at least in the century).

Placette Audio and Bent Audio both make very transparent passives at reasonable prices. Placette even offers a full refund if you don't like the unit.