Passive Pre - No Regrets?

I wish there had been a thread with as much cogent discussion when I was first considering a passive. Herman makes some very excellent points, especially with resepct to why it "works" for some and not others, so I won't belabor that issue. I have tried quite a number of linestages in my system, looking back, and the Bent NOH that I currently use is the best, by a pretty good margin. Better than several actives, both tubed and SS, and better than the passive Placette.

Steve McCormack has been developing his latest take on a cutting edge passive for some time now. I am anxiously awaiting this piece, expecting VERY good things.

I just received my Placette RVC that I had them build with a 100K input impedance. I tried the stock unit but it was lifeless due to the high output impedance of my phono stage. This one works wonderfully. There is a price premium for the larger resistors due to an increase in his costs, but if you have the need as I did then it is well worth it.

I just love having a remote volume control!

I agree 4yanx the Bent NOH is a terrific unit! I for one have no interest in active linestages any more(no matter the cost). If it ain't a TVC..I have no use for it.
FWIW Peter Daniels of Audio Sector is working on a RVC unit. Hopefully he'll have it completed and tested by spring of next year. I may try one of his to get a taste of the RVCs. The TVC is here to stay.

Good listening

I own a placette rvc and an aesthetix calypso.
After 6 months living with both, I must confess that I prefer placette. Aesthetix is a very good pre and I bought it after making a home audition with hovland 100, hovland 200, first sound deluxe and vtl 5.5. Unfortunately it does not stand a chance against aesthetix in terms of speed, transparency, soundstage.

Gmood1; I dont think you ever told us about the Bent NOH against the Promitheus on the TVC shoot out, what are your findings?

Best