2. amps-preamps
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Who is using passive preamps and why?

Seldom has there been any discussions on passive preamps in the forums and although my experience with them has been limited I have found them so far to be very enjoyable and refreshingly different. They seem to fall into their own category, somewhere between solid state and tube. Finding a preamp that is satisfing has been difficult. Some active solid state preamps can be very good but they seem to inject grain to some degree in the upper registers and some tube preamps are not too far behind. So far I think they should at least be matched up with an amp that has sufficient gain which is often overlooked. Which passives are you using and with what amp? Why do you like them?
phd
pubul57
3,712 posts
 
It did help. I ordered a 50 kohm resistor passive from Goldpoint. I do think that 9kohm (I did have a Placette too)wa a bit problematic, but I was not A/Bing with a TVC at the time. But I did have the Placette Active (buffer, no gain)and it was signifncantly better in the bass - but that might simply have been an issue with the 9kohm Zin. Well, I'll have it to listen to soon enough. Thanks.
riddellsr1
13 posts
 
I am using a DIY ALPS 10k passive to feed an Audio Research VT50 and a Powered Sub. The IC's to both amps are low capacitance. This has resulted in a very spacious lifelike and tonally neutral sound with all the dynamics I need.
phd OP
1,320 posts
 
To summarize some of the posts here and in addition to other aspects I have learned I didn't know before that there are two kinds of passives, resistor and transformer based. Argubly folks swear by both designs and the use of passives require more attention to the proper selection of associated gear and cabling. But once set up properly the results can produce a dynamic but superb sound.

I fell into this not knowing alot about passives but in my particular case the guess work was somewhat taken out by pairing a McCormack TLC-1 to a McCormack amp which has a high input impedance and was obviously designed to accomodate passives. Coupled with highly efficient speakers to the tune of 102db produced a very dynamic, smooth, and spacious sound. I can reach sound levels that challenges actives. It is my opinion that I have not heard a solid state active preamp that compares. The only other type of preamp that I would ever consider as an equal would be a tube preamp but I am leaning more towards the passive because I can leave it powered up all the time and is ready when I am plus it sounds damn good. I will eventually have Smc upgrade my TLC-1 and DNA Deluxe amp or possibly try other passives like the VRE-1.
phd OP
1,320 posts
 
Just wanted to thank each and everyone that has posted here and it is quite possibly that the subject has been exhausted.
pubul57
3,712 posts
 
I think you have the makings of long-term satisfaction with your system and you can upgrade your music collection, enjoy.
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