If you are looking for transparency above all else, then a Passive seems the best route. I tried out a number in a mini shoot out and was surprised how different they were. I was expecting more variation in Active Pre's, with, by definition more components.
The absolute standout was the Music First Audio Baby reference. To me, it was as good as, but very different, to an ARC Ref 5SE. Yes, no question though, you trade transparency and neutrality, for some macro dynamics and base grip. If transparency is your key requirement, I would say a passive is the way to go, with the proviso that you try it in your system first. Modern sources seem to have very high output voltage, particularly digital, but for vinyl with long cable runs, you might run out of steam.
The absolute standout was the Music First Audio Baby reference. To me, it was as good as, but very different, to an ARC Ref 5SE. Yes, no question though, you trade transparency and neutrality, for some macro dynamics and base grip. If transparency is your key requirement, I would say a passive is the way to go, with the proviso that you try it in your system first. Modern sources seem to have very high output voltage, particularly digital, but for vinyl with long cable runs, you might run out of steam.