Passive Pre - No Regrets?

TVC performance is still related to impedance matching. I had audiozone TVC passive which worked great with tube amps but was lifeless with pass lab amp ( inped 10K). You can look up the specs on S& B transformer in the desired attenuattion and see if it could work for you.

I agree about the careful system matching required with any passive, including a TVC. But when it all comes together, the dynamics, timing, bass extension, transparency...etc.... is all there in spades with a TVC. Mine has beaten some high dollar active preamps in my system and I have no desire to go back. However, with that said, my preamp does not sound good in all systems. If the matching amp doesn't have enough voltage gain, then all bets are off. As always, YMMV.

Oz

Pubul57,

Sorry for the confusion.

'Aesthetix' should be replaced with 'Placette' in that statement. The correct statement is 'Unfortunately aesthetix does not stand a chance against placette in terms of speed, transparency, soundstage'.

Regards,

Would someone tell me what a TVC design is? I have tried the Placette, the Silver Rock, the Reference, several quality pots with silver selector switches, and the Big Dog.

TVC= transformer volume control.

It's a transformer with one primary (or two) and very many secondaries (20-30) each of which "transforms down" thereby offering a different level of attenuation.

Each secondary is connected to a different position on a multiposition switch which works as a "volume" pot.