Opinions on PMC vs. Neat, Monitor Audio

I didn't think passive preamp == no preamp ?

Let's say I keep the Neat Motive 3 (and not switch to the PMC which may be more suitable for nearfield)-

One option would be to add the Creek active gain card,
Second option I had in mind (which also relates to the previous thread I have on upgrading a DAC), is to go with something like a Benchmark DAC1.

The Benchmark would be an adequate DAC (used with something like a hiface USB->SPDIF converter from my PC), it would probably drive my HD650 better than the Creek, and I could use it as a preamp to the 5350.

Third option- I saw a used Classe SSP-30. Yes, this is an old HT processor, but I've read that it is very good for 2 channel stereo. It also has SPDIF input, so I can use it as a DAC as well. I don't love this option because of the extra box, but it is interesting.

@mb1audio02

Active Speakers bring many technical advantages. There are cheap not so good ones and low end PA types but there are also really good ones. The really good ones (like higher end PMC) are often much better than a speaker with a passive crossover.

No preamp can really make up for issues or deficiencies in the speaker. 

" I didn't think passive preamp == no preamp ?"

Correct. There's no such thing as an passive preamp. It doesn't have an amp. Everyone just calls them passive preamps. 

" Third option- I saw a used Classe SSP-30. Yes, this is an old HT processor, but I've read that it is very good for 2 channel stereo. It also has SPDIF input, so I can use it as a DAC as well. I don't love this option because of the extra box, but it is interesting."

I had one. For 2 channel, its mediocre at best. If you are going to use it just for music, there's no reason to buy something like that. You're paying a lot for features you'll never use. 

" Active Speakers bring many technical advantages. There are cheap not so good ones and low end PA types but there are also really good ones. The really good ones (like higher end PMC) are often much better than a speaker with a passive crossover."

I've had cheap ones and expensive ones (more expensive than PMC), and the SQ wasn't even close to what I could achieve with separate components for a lot less money. They may look good on paper, but that doesn't mean they will sound good in your listening room.

A few years back I switched to time and phase correct speakers. No active speaker offers that technology, so its not even an option for me. 

" No preamp can really make up for issues or deficiencies in the speaker."

Correct, but a poor quality, or mismatched preamp can destroy the sound of an otherwise great speaker. The sad part is that most audiophiles don't have a clue as to what the problem is.