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Best Sounding Passive Preamp

What is the best sounding inexpensive passive preamp? I may have to send my preamp in for repair which could take a while and I don't want to be without music. My top priority is sound, but I don't want to spent a lot of money as I will be putting my preamp back in system upon return. Help please.
slowhand

Showing 3 responses by georgehifi

georgehifi's avatar
georgehifi
10,312 posts
 
Prometheus is a TVC passive (Transformer Volume Control).
http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=7513

These tend to have a "signature" sound, and are not as transparent to the source as a potentiometer, ldr, or switched resistor based passives. Some love their colouration, some don’t. And if they use a winding on the transformer/s with some gain they can "ring" a bit. (they also tend to be expensive for a passive)

Cheers George
georgehifi's avatar
georgehifi
10,312 posts
 
Schitt Saga
This must be a bit new, $300 more though, should keep the tube lushness guys happy.

Cheers George
georgehifi's avatar
georgehifi
10,312 posts
 
kalali
I use a Schiit Sys, two inputs and volume control, all for $49. Very transparent.

+1 for this.

Simple test is, to go direct from source to amp, with a very quiet starting CD (eg:Ravels Bolero), with your finger on the stop button in case it gets too loud. 
This is the most transparent transfer from source to amp you can possibly ever get.

Then get the closest to that with a passive pre in between.

Cheers George  
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