Passive Pre - No Regrets?

Ken Stevens, the designer and manufacturer of CAT equipment, once told me that a parts manufacturer (I think they were resistors)asked him what "flavor" of sound he wanted from the resistors (warm, bass-oriented, etc.). That is, these parts could be used as "tone controls" - Ken's answer was I want the flavor of water. The sales reps was a bit confused, but I think Ken's goal and Ralph's goal seem similar - "get away from tone controls so as to get to the truth of the matter". Which gets back to the passive/active debate - can an active line stage ever get as close to the "truth" as a passive (minimal flavor, clear as water) implemented in a properly matched "system". I still think that the active approach is probably necessary for some of the reasons mentioned by Ralph and the need to actually sell this equipment into a variety of listening envrionments and matching equipment.

Hi Gmood1, I don't agree with your statement for several reasons, not the least of which is that equipment exists that seems to lack 'tone control' qualities and in fact is able to fool jundiced audiophiles. This is a forum for high-end, not mid-fi so we won't be leaving too many 'in the dust'. Finally, we're getting off-topic, but if you would like to discuss this further perhaps we could start a new thread?

All the Best!

Mr.Sphere true this is a audio site, hopefully for all not just what's considered High end because it cost a certain price. Maybe we're thinking the same thing just from different perspectives.

I like absolute transparency not at the expense of being musical. I want to hear every change in the system. When I change tubes in equipment,cables,dacs,etc.. I want to hear it. I have achieved this without breaking the bank.

Every system has a flavor to it from the mixing of the components. Changing one piece will change this flavor.
I personally find it far fetched that any componenet doesn't have a flavor. If there wasn't a flavor for each component, we would all listen too and like the same equipment. I haven't heard a capacitor that sounded the same as another. I haven't played with them all..but quite a few. The same with tubes..come on..I know you have a favorite type tube for your equipment... most designers do. Give up the goods!LOL

Just look at the post here on the GON and what people ask for. It's not the sound of water I can guarantee that.

Maybe we should start another discussion. I like keeping you busy. ;-)

All the Best

Pubul57, I understand where your coming from. I like the preamp to be as you describe.I can add my flavor in other parts of the chain.Even guys that won't admit it have a flavor they prefer.Whether SS or Tubes or anything in between.

Good listening

Man, it's nice to see a reasonable discussion about this topic that doesn't plunge into the ditch with personal attacks and such. I also like the insight into the design philosophy of 'sphere. Since I happen to agree, I'm now inclined to give their stuff a listen.

Obviously off topic, I've often thought that speaker companies could simply describe how they voice their speakers and save me a lot of trouble. I suppose this could be said with design philosophy of almost all gear. Save the marketing jargon and tell me what you consider important in the design.