Are passive preamps better?

I've run source directly to amp, not so good, but that was more likely due to a cheap source. I've run a couple of passive systems, good. The last few years have all been active, a bit better.
Passive systems can be really good, but takes a complete dedicated system approach. You can't just slip in a passive pre, and expect it to work. Everything from source, to cables, to amp, the location of all the gear and the lengths of the cables matter a lot. It takes a lot more effort and reduces your options to make a passive system work well. In the end one has to decide if its all worth it. BTW, the way under appreciated Reference Line passive pre's and power amps are IMHO in the top handfull of gear. I've heard them in many different set ups (though for the life of me, I can't remember the details of even one now?) and not only have they never dissapointed, but, have always drawn me in and impressed.

All that "effort" just sounds interesting to me. I'm probably suited to it. Ordered the Endler attenuators. Fun-looking toys.

Let us know your impressions. Interesting to see if you prefer the Endlers to your SIM; then there is tubes in the pre.....

Pubul57, I'd be more than happy to let you know. I'm isolated here in SE MN. Nobody here knows what an audiophile is. All dealers within 100 mi are busy installing surround sound and care nothing about high end audio. Not that I have anything against surround sound. My sister and brother both have enjoyable systems. I just like 2 channel audio better, and I'm not into the visual. You'd have to educate me all over again with tubes. I've never had any tube gear. I really appreciate all the help. Lynne

uuummmmmmmm....tubessss.....now you're talking.....
If 2 channel is your deal, your really should try tubes. Warm up those cold MN nights. :)
Especially since you have such great tube companies up there in MN, like Atma-sphere and Audio Research Corporation.

There's a first time for everything. If you're shy, it's probably best to start with a tube preamp, as there is less maintenance and tube replacement is less expensive.
A word of warning though, you may find tubes highly addictive, and there is no turning back.

My wife, who is by no means an audiophile, makes very few comments about items coming and going in my system. Most of them aesthetically based, and negative. In the 25 years we've been together, there has been only a couple of times when she has said that something sounds real, and yup, you guessed it, it's always revolved around tube components. Not cables/cords, not cd players/turntables, not preamps/amps, not even speakers. Only tubed components, and sometimes she cannot see the tubes and doesn't even know they are there.
There have only been about 2 or 3 comments in the last 25 years. She says they just sound real, and I agree.
Oddly enough though, she does hate the looks of tube amps with exposed tubes, but she doesn't complain once she hears them.

Cheers,
John