Whats a good inexpensive passive pre

creek makes a passive unit with three line inputs and it has a remote control, too

If you want a remote, Placette is a no-brainer. I have been contemplating one lately myself. I've never heard one in my own system, but have been impressed by them in other systems. If you can stretch your budget a little for a used one, I don't think you'd be disappointed.

A used Reference Line Audio passive is within your budget. I love mine. The original company is sadly defunct, but Scott Nixon can do anything you need for one, even add a remote to certain models.

The EVS attenuators are supposed to be great, haven't heard them though. Well within your budget.

My personal experience with the Creek wasn't good. It certainly could have been a system dependant issue.

The McCormack TLC-1 is very transparent & is certainly inexpensive; try to find a TLC-1 Deluxe if possible - there are even some out there with remote control. Passive & buffered-active outputs are both included.

those budget models from Creek & Adcom are only worth their low price & for good reason (-:

If the built-in amps input impedance is high enough for a passive to avoid limiting dynamics, then I would have to second the Axiom reccomendation.

If you just want to get your feet wet...get a Luminous Axiom for $150....even less if you buy used. At that price, you have no risk. I've owned a couple of Lumninous Axioms and they performed quite well.

I bought a Placette and it bested the Luminous Axiom. But, the Luminous Axiom was no slouch by any means.