Passive Preamps w/ Transformer Volume Control

Edwyun, take a look at my review on the Bent Audio Tap linestage, it will provide a great amount of information on this topic. Hope this helps.

PROMITHEUS !!!

Don't over look the Channel Island PLC•1 Passive Line Controller. It could rock your world if you have not heard it.

I second the Promitheus!

Passive linestages can be very good if the rest of your system is up to the task. And a well designed TVC is the best of this breed. First, you must determine your amp input sensitivity and voltage gain, speaker sensitivity, source output impedence and voltage. If all these are "passive friendly", you are good to go.

What you will hear with a TVC over a resistor based passive is a very slight bloom in the midrange not unlike tubes. But you give up no ground in transparency or detail. The bass is also more solid and defined like that of an active linestage.

I lived with and loved a TVC for several years. Only recently have I gone back to an active preamp due to an amp upgrade that neccessitated it.

Oz