My experence has been that passive pre-amps have an alluring quality of resolution, but, lack the dynamics of live music, hence, lack the "toe-tapping" quality I enjoy. I would suggest re-auditioning a powered pre-amp in your system. (Just my two cents)
Balanced Passive ""Preamps"--any recommendations?
I currently have a Reference Line 1b passive linestage driving monoblocked Bel Canto eVo 200.2s into Von Schweikert VR-4s. I'm using balanced interconnects throughout the system, so any replacement has got to be balanced. Has anyone heard the Bent Audio passive preamps or any other balanced passives? Thanks. Jamie