2. amps-preamps
  3. 1174606686

Passive preamp for Tube Amp?

Has anyone tried using a passive pre with a tube amplifier? In particular I am interested in a passive like a Placette PVC with a McIntosh MC275. Primary source will be phono via a Rogue Stealth. Speakers are Quad 2805.

I have heard mixed reviews on whether this would result in softened dynamics and bass impact. Many of the published reviews of the Placette are very positive, but I have read some posts by actual users who mentioned the softened dynamics and weak bass.

The Placette comes with a 30 day home trial, but I am just looking for as much information up front as I can get. Thanks for any wisdom here...

Dave
tricon_dave
pubul57
3,712 posts
 
Placette Active does not address the issue of gain for phono - it has no gain, only sophisticated buffering.
tonyaudio
25 posts
 
Hi Dave, I have a beautiful original McIntosh Mc 275 that I am using with my Placette Passive 3 input preamp. Speakers are 1989 Klipschorns and the sound is spectacular. Believe me there is no loss in dynamics, not with this combination. Placette is great in that it passes through the sound of the amplifier just about as uncolored as anything can. It does this so well that I can clearly hear the differences when I change any of the tubes in the McIntosh. I now listen to my Oracle Delphi turntable and just sit back and enjoy. Happy Listening, Tony Nicosia
pubul57
3,712 posts
 
I agree the RVC is extremely fast, uncolored and transparent, but if you compare it Placette Active (I owned both) you will notice something was missing in the bass and midbass - the difference was very obvious to me and I would say my set-up is very "passive" friendly. The SB102 based TVC (S&B xfromers) I just got is also extremely transparent, quiet, etc, but I beleive it has significantly better bass than the RVC has and a touch of warmth, that most users will like very much IMHO. This does not mean the RVC is not excellent, it is, and you will be fine with it, but when you start comparing it with either the Active version or the good TVCs, I think you might make a different decision as to which you prefer.
tonyaudio
25 posts
 
I have yet to hear the Placette Active, although I would love to arrange an audition one day. As for the Placette Passive I find it works just fine for getting bass and midbass out of my vinyl through a Whest Phonostage.20 + MsU.20 phono preamplifier. But then again as I have said I have not yet heard what the Active version would do.
lenkevy
15 posts
 
I am in a 30-day free trial using the Placette PVC with a Conrad Johnson MV60 tube amp. Sound is excellent, wonderful imaging. I am waiting for a CJ preamp to arrive so I can compare the two and make a decision during my trial period. With a 30-day trial, you have time to make comparisons in your home. If you buy the other preamps right, and decide to keep the Placette, resell them near the same price you paid.
More to discover