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Do all Passive preamps exhibit this trait

I have a Adcom GFP-750 passive/active preamp which sounds somewhat recessed in the treble region when used in passive mode. It's active mode sounds harsh and fatiguing in the treble but there's certainly more detail and extension. I'm wondering if these traits are symtomatic to varying degrees with all passive preamps compared to active preamps. I love the GFP-750 in passive mode but sometimes I do wish for more extension in the treble region. Does anyone know of a passive preamp that will provide me with this treble extension and at the same time sounds relaxed with no listener fatigue. Thanks.
lornoah
nbug
7 posts
 
I think the simple answer is no. I have an old Adcom GDD1 that would change the sound whether in active or passive mode. I am currently running a Canary Audio CA-200 into a Spectron Amp and I can't hear it doing anything to the sound. Backgrounds are real quiet and the amount of detail is incredible. A lot of audiophiles have nothing but bad things to say about passive preamps - but I find it works well in my system.
aball
2,016 posts
 
It is all system dependent but the Belles GR8 passive I had was also dull in the treble. I guess I could have found a bright amp to mate with it but I felt that two wrongs didn't make it right. I also tried running two of my amps direct since they had gain controls but that wasn't very good either. So I've stuck to active preamps ever since.

You might be able to change cables and kind of get what you want. Kimber KCAG on the passive side and Cardas Golden Cross on the active side might get one of them "right." Just a thought.

Arthur
elevick
2,636 posts
 
The idea of passive is to not color the sound? Get something like a creek OBH-12 which is as passive you get and see what your amp and speakers really sound like.
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