Best Sounding Passive Preamp

kalali
I use a Schiit Sys, two inputs and volume control, all for $49. Very transparent.

+1 for this.

Simple test is, to go direct from source to amp, with a very quiet starting CD (eg:Ravels Bolero), with your finger on the stop button in case it gets too loud. 
This is the most transparent transfer from source to amp you can possibly ever get.

Then get the closest to that with a passive pre in between.

Cheers George  

I just ordered a Schitt Saga. It is both passive and active, in case I want a little tube sound. I will compare it to my Transcendent Grounded Grid Preamp, a great bargain its own self! I'd like to spend a little money, before I spend a Lot!

Schitt Saga

This must be a bit new, $300 more though, should keep the tube lushness guys happy.

Cheers George

I guess I must be one of those tube lushness guys. I already own a Schitt Asgard headphone amp, which impressed me enough to act like a Math guy and try the passive pre/tube combo, just in case!

I might add that its a cheap enough experiment before I spend 5k on a CJ 5e !