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ADCOM GFP-750 question

Want to try a passive preamp, but need XLR output. Seems like GFP-750 is the one. The question is, when in passive mode, will XLR input/output still work in true balanced mode? If yes, does that mean the preamp only bypass the gain stage but has some buffer circuit still be active?
Any other models that I shall take a look at(passive with balance in/out; ps: I don't like ones with transformers) ?
Thanks for your post.
winstonwang
sgr's avatar
sgr
689 posts
 
I believe it will work in true balanced mode. But having owned one, I liked the active mode the best. It had more life and dynamics. Things seemed to move faster. The passive mode did have a purer sound quality though. But I thought for my listening needs the active mode sounded the best overall. Rest assured. This is a great preamp!
Steven
kchahoc
85 posts
 
I'd try something else. The design is pretty dated and IMO slightly veiled sounding in active mode and restricted in passive. But then again I only demoed the adcom for a week or so before moving on. My local dealer also stopped selling the Adcom line due to QC problems. The units like the "TVC" from Bent looks interesting from the standpoint of not having your output impeadence determined by the level of the volume control, but I have not heard one yet. However, it seems that "active" preamps are THE standard for even the most high-end of designers. That might say something.
Happy Holidays
winstonwang OP
4 posts
 
I have plan to try out Bent Audio. But I am still skeptical since the output is transformer, I am afraid it's not a true balanced design and bass/distortion may get hurt because of using a transformer, any thoughts?
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