Who is using passive preamps and why?

Rrog, just because you tried numerous times doesn't mean you ever tried a combination that was suitable for the purpose. There is absolutely no reason a source component can't have an output stage that is capable of driving an amp directly and many do. Having a 7 Volt output is only part of the story since it could also have a high output impedance and therefore be incapable of properly driving a low impedance passive and/or amp. No disrespect intended but statements like yours which fail to properly explore all of the facets involved and dismiss topologies which are proven to work when properly implemented only add to the confusion of those who are trying to get the big picture.

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I have friends who have been using attenuators since the 80s, and will never go back to an active preamp-and they have access to mega buck gear. I just bypassed my preamp with my cd player and will (probably)never add a preamp again. System synergy is key-as it always is. Most of the passives I have seen have a liberal trial policy. Impedance and output voltages, length of cables, etc., are key.

Herman, isn't the other side of your argument that passives simply don't work right in too many setups? A similar problem to a discussion about the virtues of SETs (If this is right, and that is right, then they are wonderful, otherwise...). Not about laying blame, but the fact is that the problem is the passive if it can't work for certain types of sources and amps, though when it appropriate it can work very well indeed, but the passives do have their inherent limitations for being a SOTA solution in many cases.

pubul57. You are correct in regards to Nelson Pass. I'm not sure who Charles Hansen is.

Ayre Acoustics