2. amps-preamps
  3. 1268737214

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
 
just ordered one from george.
phd OP
1,320 posts
 
I want to try the lightspeed Attenuator as well. Pubul57, how much does it go for?
pubul57
3,712 posts
 
$450 shipped from Australia; it takes two weeks or so before shipping. I get the feeling the Stereophile review is making him busy. It will be interesting to compare with the Goldpoint and then I'll sell one or the other. Either way, these passives are a really "inexpensive" way into some pretty darn good sound. I don't know if I will like them better than my Joule or Atma-sphere preamp, it just may be different, but worth having in the mix.
clio09
3,360 posts
 
I think you will like it. Definitely makes you think about what it takes these days to get high quality sound. As an example, the combined cost of my Lightspeed and RM-10 MkII is $1450. That's a lot of sound per dollar in my opinion.
pubul57
3,712 posts
 
Anthony, if the Lightspeed is as good as it seems, I think it and the RM10 would put ALOT of $10-20K pre/amp combos to shame - IF 35 watts is enouuh power. Looking at the diminutive RM10 (size of a hardcover book) reminds me of that old Steinway piano ad about how they laughed as the fella sat at the piano, till he started to play. Can't wait to give the Lightspeed a try, but the Goldpoint ain't chopped liver either.
More to discover