Passive Pre - No Regrets?

Herman - enjoyed your post and helpful explainations.
I went to a passive pre - a custom made modded QED unit.
Since my original active pre was a Forte 2, not a stellar performer, the passive mops the floor with the Forte 2 in terms of transparency, space, detail, clarity, neutrality, etc... just worked for me, never thought about impedences etc.

I also enjoyed Hermans post. Though I haven't used a $5000 preamp at home. I do know what musical, dynamic and transparent sounds like. The TVC has been a revelation for me.

I also prepared my setup from the start by using a buffer between the source and the TVC. No worries of impedance or gain issues. In order for me to find an active that can match it across the board would cost thousands...so why bother?

Good listening

I owned (at the same time) the Placette and Sonic Euphoria preamps, and used them with various SS and tube systems I own. Although they are both good (have strengths and weaknesses) over all I prefer an active preamp.

No regrets here. Went from a SFL2 to a DIY TVC. I bought the parts from John Chapman at Bent Audio, great guy. To be honest, I didn't think it could work. Seriously, transformers?! I just had to hear what so many were raving about.

The SFL did have a touch more drive and bass but I came to think of that as exageration. My speakers are eager to rumble at 16 Hz and the TVC was happy to oblige. Compared to the veil that was lifted, the SFL didn't have a chance. The trick is that I have very dynamic speakers and about 3000 watts of amplification, total. I also selected a CDP that has 4V into AES/EBU and low output impedance(< 100, although < 1K is all that's suggested). XLR cables between the pre and amps also raises the output. Amps aren't much of an issue for matching other than moderate sensitivity. A friend built his own after hearing mine and is very happy. His system isn't nearly as extreme but very nice.

With passives, resistive or TVC, matching components becomes critical.

i have a sonic euphoria. it is the most revealing component i have auditioned in my stereo system to date.

it is an excellent analytical tool for discovering differences between other components, especially cable.

depending upon the rest of your stereo system, this product may be a boon or bane.