Are passive preamps better?

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.

Tbg, OK. Thanks. Lynne

Perhaps I do not understand what is meant by dynamics. My passive preamp/Atmasphere setup seems to have great dynamics to me.

By dymamics is it the range from high to low and speed in shifting from point to point in that range?

Or is it something else?

Entrope, yes, you are correct. I don't really know whether anyone has ever measured this, so it is really a personal judgment or a comparative judgment. I find that I grow bored with the music using a passive, that I find myself not shaking my foot in time with the music, and that is just lacks the leading edge of the music.