Are passive preamps better?

I guess the simplest answer is "yes and no". I commit heresy in that I use a Joule Electra LA150 pre-amp with a Placette Passive between it and power amp. Get superb results, I could detect no difference with the Placette in the circuit.

Why not try a pair of Endler or EVS attenuators. These are stepped attenuators that include custom RCA jacks. One end is male and plugs into the RCA inputs on your amp. The other end is female and is where you will connect the output cables of your source. This should give you a good idea of how a resistor based passive device will sound and they are relatively inexpensive to try. I believe one or both brands may come with a trial period, so you can return them if you don't like them.

I personally prefer transformer volume controls as for the most part they avoid the impedance matching issues of resistor based passives. I've been using a custom built unit using S&B transformers for a while now with excellent results.

Hi Arnett, You should give Arn Roatcap at Goldpoint a call if you are looking for some good info on passive preamps and stepped attenuators. I have spoken to him several times and he was quite helpful and great to deal with. The attenuators he sells are quite nice you would be very happy with the quality. I have the newer SMD and the older ladder type with Vishay resistors. I will at some point change the potentiometers in my Marchand bassis with them, I have stepped attenuators in my Marchand crossover. So dont forget, even if you don't use a passive preamp you still need to talk to Arn if your preamp does not use quality stepped attenuators, No Pots.

Just remember your system does need to be "set up" for passives to work, There are several parameters to think about and to address properly before passives can obtain synergy with your system. Only then can you make an informed decision on them.
Bob.

Tomryan, why do you use the RVC between the Joule and amp? What does that gain you? I use to use the RVC with a CAT pre, but that was becasue the volume gradations were so large on the CAT, I needed the RVC for accurate volume control. And I agree, the RVC did not alter the sound of the CAT as far as I could tell, but the CAT sounded way better than the RVC alone.

Thanks. I'll follow up on all this. Bob, I get parameters from www.enjoythemusic.com/magazine/equipment/0102/pr
Interesting website which relates well to this discussion. Will also give Arn a call at some point. Lynne