Are passive preamps better?


Does a passive preamp with transformers so that its impedence can be matched with an amplifier have the potential to provide better sonics than a line preamp? I have a Simaudio Celeste preamp and a Harman Kardon Citation 7.1 amplifier. Lynne
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Showing 2 responses by aleko

Hi All,
I am FOR the passives and not against.
There is a simple principle here - the less is more.
An additional circuit is not a benefit to the whole.
The thing is that the output of many of the sources is not
designed to drive the power amplifier directly.
Then there is the problem of impedance matching and that is why some passives use transformers.
A good tube phono pre-map having a cathode follower stage at the output will drive.
So a selector and ladder volume control (Elna, Goldpoint) at the output will be sufficient for a power amplifier with relatively high input impedance and low input sensitivity (0.5V - 1V).
Why add another circuitry in between?
Let's say that the output tube of the phono is 12AX7 and the input tube of the power amp is 12AX7 as well.
Then these circuits probably match very well.
Some do not.
'Everything should be made as simple as possible, but not simpler' - Albert Einstein.
Eldartford, I wanted to say that the amplifier is very sensible so I have probably said it wrongly. So I should have probably said high input sensitivity.
I wanted to say that the power amplifier needs low level signal say 1V rms to reach its full output.
Unsound, thanks for the info.
I have used a passive pre-amplifier and not heard noise when using the Pass Aleph 3.
Also, I have thought that the level of noise depends on the power amplifier circuitry and not the input sensitivity.
For example I have heard noise coming from the Air Tight 211 amplifier. I just want to add that this was the only flaw otherwise the sound was wonderful in all aspects.
Then I read the Stereophile review which confirmed that.
It was not mentioned there for the reason to be the input sensitivity (which as far as I am aware is set at 1V to allow use with a CD output directly).
But now you make me think the reason for the noise is exactly this.
On the other hand the Wyetech Topaz reportedly does not generate any noise due to the circuit - choke filter and so on and still input sensitivity is set at somewhere this level - 0.6 V if I recall correctly.