Are passive preamps better?

Forgot to mention--yes, I'm exclusively digital, if that matters. Lynne

Good question.

You bet impedance is an issue, actually the issue when pairing a pre and an amp. Impedance matching - or mismatching - between the pre output and amp input is the key to a successful pairing or two boxes that just aren't happy together... Call it synergy =)

A great deal can be found on the subject by those both more technical and erudite then I am - all I can contribute is that its great when it happens and noticeably not great when it doesn't. T'aint no subtle or illusory thing.

Thanks. That's what I thought. The 7.1 has an input impedence of 22k and the Celeste has an output impedence of 120 ohms. I have no idea how synergistic or unsynergistic that is. Lynne

Lynne, the "rule" is 1 to 10 (line stage output impedance to amp input impedance, so you should be okay.

I cannot stand the lack of dynamics on passive volume controls and suspect that is the mismatching of the source output impedance through the passive volume control to the amp input impedance. But it really doesn't matter as five attempts was enough, I am sticking with quality active line stages.

I disagree with all the passive preamp folks. Saying things like, "It will be quieter," is not always true. My Fire preamp is black background as any passive, arguably more.