The future of preamps

Charles, your last comment is exactly what I was thinking. Many of us who have had the pleasure of sampling Blume's work have found it to be exceptionally true to music. Savatore would seem to be in that camp. I would tend to take Savatore's recommendations on equipment seriously, because "it seems we hear things in a similar manner." For the same reason, I take Jonathan Valin's reviews seriously. We are both Magnepan guys. We hear things the same way.

And for what it is worth, my preamp's days are not numbered. It's not going anywhere. Now, in a second system or a low budget system, I would certainly think about trying either an integrated amp or a digital volume control, since I am likely to remain a single source guy.

Yes Brownsfan:
Arthur Salvator's "Bolero Test" (linked) is most enlightening to the need of active preamps.

If you like the sound of your system without the colourations of a active preamp involved using this test, then don't use it use a passive preamp. As this test gives exactly what the source is giving to your poweramp/s nothing added nothing removed.

BTW you can do it with other cd's that start of low in volume.

http://www.high-endaudio.com/RC-Linestages.html#BOLERO

Cheers George

Hi Brownsfan,
Ironically Salvatore was a very staunch supporter of passive preamps or direct source to amplifier until he auditioned the active Coincident line stage, same outcome concusion as you experienced. He utilized the Bolero test during his evaluation.
Charles,

Thanks George for the link,
It appears that Salvatore has two top recommendations which depend on system needs and configuration. These two are his only class A selections .
Passive) EMIA TVC.
Active) Coincident line stage.
Charles,

In short do the "Bolero Test" with your source directly connected to the poweramp.
And go with Arthur Salvatore's 2 closing statements:

1/ "In short, if you need an active line stage because your source is not up to the task of driving the amplifier(s), then...
Any good active line stage, from any era, will improve the sonics in some obvious and clear manner"

2/ "Alternatively, if your source is up to the task of driving your amp(s), then...
No active line stage, no matter how good it is, will ever equal the sonics of your direct connection (or an equivalent passive)"

Cheers George