To be totally successful in using a passive-pre the rest of the system must be built/chosen with the accomodation in mind. This doesn't really require compromises IMO since the things that work best also make for a better system. In such a case gain can only be detrimental to the sound since any active device with gain will also surely add colorations to the sound.
I've been using the passive approach most of the last 30 years. For the last 15 it's been TVC/AVC based devices. I've occasionally tried promising low gain active designs up to $5K but have always come back to the TVC's purity and quietness.
I've been using the passive approach most of the last 30 years. For the last 15 it's been TVC/AVC based devices. I've occasionally tried promising low gain active designs up to $5K but have always come back to the TVC's purity and quietness.