High Quality Passive Preamp Recommendtion

Check out the FT Audio LW-1 ($500 new) it is highly regarded and has excellent reviews in the audio magazines. Supposedly they have conquered all the downsides of passive pre's and the unit has terrific dynamics, imaging, transparency, and surprisingly BASS! Many of the owners that I've traded emails with say they get great slam and low frequency extension. Also, it has 5 inputs and tape monitor.

Anyway, it comes with a 30-day return policy, so there's no risk. The US distributor, Paul Lam is a great guy to talk to and is incredibly honest. He will honestly tell you whether the LW-1 will work in your system or not.

P.L.C.Lam Consulting Inc.
2 Asgar Walk
Tel: 306-586-8596
Regina, Saskatchewan S4S 6W4
Fax: 306-585-3837
paullam@sk.sympatico.ca
2nd phone number, 306-949-8048.

website:
http://www.ftaudio.com/

Reviews:
http://www.uhfmag.com/Issue54/Passive54.html
http://www.goodsound.com/original/other.html - (2/3rds down the page)
http://www.audio-ideas.com/reviews/preamps/ft-audio.html

Also, search the archives on AudioAsylum.com's General Forum, there has been lots of discussion about the unit, and a few owner revies. AudioReview.com has quite few owner reviews. And Ebay consumer reviews.

The one sold by Ric Shultz on www.tweakaudio.com
they say it doesn't get any better. Ric is a very well known figure in Home Audio. He will most likely email you back himself if you ask him a question

Definitely check out the Audio Synthesis Passion Ultimate. It's all passive and has 3 inputs, a remote control, and a green LED display. The sound is very dynamic with great resolution. The apparent build quality is superb, especially the machined aluminum remote.

It sells for $1795 and comes with a 21 day money back guarantee through www.acousticimage.com

Subdoofus,

Ric Schultz's site says that their "Ultimate Attenuators" have been temporarily discontinued. No news when they will begin making them again.

As for "high-quality" passives, the best that come to mind are the Placette, FT Audio, Morrison ELAD, and Belles has the GR-8. You could start a fairly ugly fistfight between owners of the first three as to which is best, all have a very dedicated/fanatical following. I don't think many people have ever really had two of them in their house at the same time, so opinions are highly subjective. But, most of them have stopped looking after plugging one into their system. Like anything in this hobby, it's a matter of personal taste.

I haven't heard much about the Belles, it's fairly new, but their amps are highly regarded and I doubt they would squander their reputation at this point.

#1 Placette audio will go for arround $1400
#2 www.marchandelec.com kit or assembled -- make up your budget on that.
#3 www.dact.com -- the best parts for active or passive preamps for today.
#4 Consider #3 to be the best way to get the best passive preamp.