Why a line preamp?

Tom :

Why yes, it does have a complete tape/tape monitor loop.

It would interesting to compare the DAC's fixed output thru the Reference Line to the DAC's attenuator output. Another passive to passive comparison.

Later Reference Line Models had a direct input feature which was a straight shot thru just the attenuator, thus avoiding the other switches and wiring. Also, a remote volume control was available as an option. Volume only and the remote was kinda clunky but it worked well.

Reference Line stuff is great looking too with mirror polished black anodizing face plates and gold plated handles.

Good Luck

... first of all to add feedback to unstable source output in order to increase dynamics, output voltage and stability for feeding power amplifier.

I tried running a Sony XA7ES CD player direct to McCormack DNA-2DX and didn't like it at all. The music was thin, sterile, hyper-detailed, and lacked "body". Switching back to a Sonic Frontiers Line 2 pre-amp restored timbral richness, deep tight bass, body, naturalness, soundstaging, and was in general much more musical. I will admit that the Sony volume control is probably not very high quality. I like active tube pre-amps with high quality SS amps. Cheers. Craig.

I'm surprised that it was't more evenly balanced between those for and those against an active preamp. I reached as high in actives as a CAT SL-1 III with factory-simplified signal path, and found it clearly inferior, for CD play, to a DIY passive involving Holco resistors, Shallco resistors, good connectors and internal wire. If you want to make your own for around $400, let me know thru Member Lookup. You could also check out the DIY section of www.goldpt.com, where Arn Roatcap explains passive options clearly, with a schematic for a maximally complex passive preamp. It's very likely that you could be completely happy with a simpler one.

Seeing that's is all about "balance" in the end (and of course, most people's system, to be critical, are off balance in one way or another), I think there's probably not one solution to every system set-up!!! They all tend to have different requirements/needs depending.
I've heard some systems that seem to do better with passives, or no preamp from the CD out. And I've heard others that absolutely do better with an active preamp (some tube/some solid state).
Usually what you find is that most CD player outs(or other sources) don't seem to make a good enough match in impedance and such with amp/speaker combo's! Some times it works great. Usually, when the passive approach doesn't work, it's either thin and amusical, or dynamics are lacking and a bit weak (more noticable on percussion and rock and such..).
The only way to find out is to try the different approaches, and see how it works in your sytem! I'm currently using a Pass Labs Aleph L passive/active preamp, which works supeb with my solid state friendly Sonus Faber Electa Amator set-up! It's passive all the way to a point on the volume, then goes active...best pre-amp I've had for this system. However, I noticed the same preamp doesn't seem to work as well with my older Thiel speakers/Classe amp combo! The sound was a bit thin, bright, and lacking snap! That combo did best with a tube active preamp for sure!
Anyway, you just gotta try for yourself what works, then you'll know....no free lunch...