Autoformer versus Transformer Passives?

I have an S&B TX-102 TVC and it is great when in a properly matched system. Worked beautifully between my upgraded Museatex Bitstream dac(4V output) and former Art Audio PX-25 & Welborne DRD 300B SET amps. But, couldn't use it between my phono preamp and amps.

I remember when Dave Slagle first started winding(or posting about winding) his own transformers for his DIY SET amps. He and Mickey from Magnequest transformers would have long, really interesting discussions about all the factors that go into transfos on Audio Asylum. Then, he started making autoformers and I have been really intrigued ever since.

I had an S&B MKIII based passive made by K&K, but it was too long agon and the system context was different. I got the Bent based on user comments here and Teajay's review of the TAP. There seems to be the view that the Slagle autoformer sounds better the S&B transformer, but I've not seen much comment on Audiogon. If a preamp is suppose to be neutral and simply let the source to the amp with attenuation, it does seem passive setups with sufficient gain to drive the amp would function that way. I would like to see a shootout with something like the BENT-TAP-x versus some of the 10K and up active tube preamps. It does seem that a passive that can control the interconnect capacitance should be the ideal, with the amps adding whatever color or flavor the listener prefers.

Your (previously my) K&K used S&B MkI transformers, not MkIII. The difference was the MkI version tended to sound a little warmer.

Hi Anthony. I stand corrected. Have you heard any of the Slagle transformers stuff?

Working on getting the new Slagleman's. These are sold by Intact Audio. Sort of a "nude" version of a non-remote TAP-X. I'd like to compare them to my Lightspeed and hopefully can remember enough about the S&B MkI's to make a reasonable comparison. I'll let you know the results when I get them and have had enough time to listen.