I have never experimented with a high end system that was not improved by active pre amplification. I am aware of the arguments for passives and the theory behind their less invasive circuitry, but find they are always inferior to the best active.
In reality, passive preamps must rely on the same contact switches, input and output jacks and wire to route signal. All of these introduce distortion and loss, without the benefit of the gain and impedance matching provided by an active unit.
An active preamp designer tweaks and voices the final product to maintain repeatable results. A passive unit must deal with unknown quantities and qualities of signal, each having an unpredictable effect because they are not corrected, damped, amplified or impedance matched.
Personality is certainly a factor in an active preamp as well. However, it's performance will be predictable in almost every situation. It is not uncommon for a wide variety of listeners to describe the sound of any given active preamp in the same way. Personal taste comes into play as to which brand name makes the listener happy with their existing components.
Driving directly from a low output source such as a CD player or D to A converter is just as bad. This set up does remove the additional passive parts but still provides no impedance or gain matching.
Worse, the output from these devices may supply adequate voltage for the desired sound pressure level without the control, contrast and huge dynamic swings necessary to make great sound. They appear to be doing a great job until a direct comparison is made against a high quality active unit. The problem comes in justifying the expense of the active that provides all positives for your system.
For reference, consider auditioning the Aesthetix Callisto. I think you will find this tube preamp has virtually no limitations. It's sonic signature may also be altered to your taste by experimenting with various tubes. If this unit is financially out of reach, there are many other fine active units for sale. I suggest you start by looking here at Audiogon for a BAT, Counterpoint, Audio Research, Atmasphere or perhaps even a transistor unit such as a Rowland, Gryphon or Presence Audio.
In reality, passive preamps must rely on the same contact switches, input and output jacks and wire to route signal. All of these introduce distortion and loss, without the benefit of the gain and impedance matching provided by an active unit.
An active preamp designer tweaks and voices the final product to maintain repeatable results. A passive unit must deal with unknown quantities and qualities of signal, each having an unpredictable effect because they are not corrected, damped, amplified or impedance matched.
Personality is certainly a factor in an active preamp as well. However, it's performance will be predictable in almost every situation. It is not uncommon for a wide variety of listeners to describe the sound of any given active preamp in the same way. Personal taste comes into play as to which brand name makes the listener happy with their existing components.
Driving directly from a low output source such as a CD player or D to A converter is just as bad. This set up does remove the additional passive parts but still provides no impedance or gain matching.
Worse, the output from these devices may supply adequate voltage for the desired sound pressure level without the control, contrast and huge dynamic swings necessary to make great sound. They appear to be doing a great job until a direct comparison is made against a high quality active unit. The problem comes in justifying the expense of the active that provides all positives for your system.
For reference, consider auditioning the Aesthetix Callisto. I think you will find this tube preamp has virtually no limitations. It's sonic signature may also be altered to your taste by experimenting with various tubes. If this unit is financially out of reach, there are many other fine active units for sale. I suggest you start by looking here at Audiogon for a BAT, Counterpoint, Audio Research, Atmasphere or perhaps even a transistor unit such as a Rowland, Gryphon or Presence Audio.