2. amps-preamps
  3. 125047-818

I used to think passive preamps were superior to active preamps given right the setup, but

my recent evaluation of a modded old SS preamp has me a little befuddled.  I've evaluated $10K+ active preamps in the past and was never impressed especially given their cost.  In general, I've found passives to do better job. I know there's ongoing debate on this.  But here's a very illuminating video on the subject by Bascom King, one of the legends of high end audio.

https://youtu.be/HHl8F9amyY4
dracule1

Showing 1 response by paradoxent

paradoxent's avatar
paradoxent
13 posts
 
I do not normally get in on these type of conversations but the facts are everyone is correct.
Passive is the best interface sonically, least parts to hurt the sound.
BUT
If the device cannot drive the load (input impedance) of the next device (usually amplifier) properly then a preamp or a product with current gain is necessary to drive the input load and get the best sound (performance) of the device being driven.
To overly simplify one product drives the next if you do not have enough voltage or current than passive will not sound as good.
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