Bent Audio Autoformer vs Tube Pre

Was the Bent that you tried an Autoformer and fully balanced unit?

No just the basic TAP autoformer , not balanced.

Grannyring,
To be fair this topic has no universal 'right' answer as it depends on numerous varibles. For me however, a top quality active tube linestage is more satisfying and realistic of instruments and voice based on what I hear in live venues.Oh by the way, YMMV.
Regards,

Charles, that is exactly what I shared in my previous posts. Agreed.

What amplifier and source(s) do you plan to use with the Bent? I have tried many passive preamps and currently still use them in my system. One is balanced and the others single ended. From my experience I will say that with the right set up a passive preamp will help you achieve outstanding sound for little investment. Typically an autoformer or transformer volume control will be easier to match up with system components, but that shouldn't rule out potentiometers or resistor passive designs. In fact, a real sleeper is Roger Modjeski's pot in the box that uses a simple but high quality Noble potentiometer to attenuate the signal. LDR attenuators are also very good if built properly.