Serious Passive Preamp question

I don’t believe ANY active preamp can better a "properly used" passive for transparency, dynamics, uncoloured sound and extension in both the highs and lows. Unless you need to purposely colour the sound with the coloration's that all active preamps give.

Just read what rob67  with friends and family said in a 4 way shootout in a very expensive hiend system, when comparing a passive pre to these three active preamps.
 
Audio Reasearch Ref5se preamp
Pass Labs  X2.5  preamp
Bryston BP20 preamp

I've seen a number of active preamps be wider bandwidth and more neutral than the ones on this very short list! All that is says when a passive can beat these is just that and nothing more.

A more meaningful list would have over 100 preamps, all pitched against what is considered one of the best passives, with the results agreed upon by a much larger cross section of audiophiles, in a variety of systems.

As I have said before, a passive preamp can be a tool, but it really depends on your source/DAC and your amplifier.  If you have a DAC that is very fast and solid-state sounding, I think a passive is not really the right tool as you need an active preamp in the middle to help smooth and shape those hard-edged waveforms.   If you have a full Class A or tube DAC/source, then a passive could work well.

I will not name the units, because I know and respect the manufacturers, and will not harm sales by them in any way. My justification and value of my opinions to any of you is unimportant to me. I am just stating the facts of what I am hearing. Enjoy ! MrD.

My Luminous Audio Axiom II, with Walker Mods, single ended, 3 in, 2 out, with remote, is wonderful. Enjoy ! MrD.