I currently run passive and here's why:
1. It squares with my system philosophy of simple, short signal path.
2. I only have a single source and don't need source selection.
3. I can't justify another set of interconnect cables, power cable, tubes, and the linestage itself. I use Cardas Golden reference cables and, while not the best, I'd feel compelled to use the same on the preamp.
So, for me, it just doesn't make sense to add another $2,000 to a system that only has $2,000 speakers, $1,200 amp, $2,500 phono stage, etc.
1. It squares with my system philosophy of simple, short signal path.
2. I only have a single source and don't need source selection.
3. I can't justify another set of interconnect cables, power cable, tubes, and the linestage itself. I use Cardas Golden reference cables and, while not the best, I'd feel compelled to use the same on the preamp.
So, for me, it just doesn't make sense to add another $2,000 to a system that only has $2,000 speakers, $1,200 amp, $2,500 phono stage, etc.