Thanks, Herman...Indeed, I wanted reassurance from other audiophiles. I cannot fathom why there are so many active preamps out there--and so few choices for a passive unit. The logic has been "staring me in the face" for a while, but I guess it took time to find the right passive at the right price.
How Much Preamp Gain is Too Much?
In the age of the CD player, how much preamp gain is too much? Since a CD player has enough voltage to drive almost any power amp, why do I continue to see preamps with what would appear to be quite a bit of gain? While I do not prefer having a player with an integrated volume control, all that seems to be needed between a player and a power amp is a quality volume control (i.e. a passive preamp). I have heard that passive units tend to cause a lack in dynamics (in comparison to systems employing an active preamp). I cannot imagine that this would be true in all cases.
I have a Canary Audio CA-200 passive on the way. However, I also like the idea of putting tubes in front of my B&K Reference 200.2 power amp. I have the Quicksilver Line Stage (non-remote version) in mind. The Quicksilver seems like a nice piece. How will its gain affect my system? Since I listen at lower levels, I imagine I will be in the lower portion of the volume control (where a volume control tends to be less linear). I welcome any comments.
Thanks.
I have a Canary Audio CA-200 passive on the way. However, I also like the idea of putting tubes in front of my B&K Reference 200.2 power amp. I have the Quicksilver Line Stage (non-remote version) in mind. The Quicksilver seems like a nice piece. How will its gain affect my system? Since I listen at lower levels, I imagine I will be in the lower portion of the volume control (where a volume control tends to be less linear). I welcome any comments.
Thanks.