I am with georgehifi, on this. Passive is the way ( has been for me ). However, I understand the addition of a gain stage / extra circuitry, with the " drive ", " color " ( could be distortion ), that people like. It is all about " what you like ", as there really isn't a right or wrong. Besides, all of this, is quite dependent, on the particular recordings we listen to. Some, admittedly, can use some help...others, not.
Itching to upgrade preamp...
I'm thinking the preamp might be the weak link at this point... Today I'm using a Pass X0.2 preamp.
The rest of the setup:
Pass XA60.5
Audio Physic Avanti III
PS Audio DirectStream Sr (with bridge2)
PS Audio PerfectWave transport
All interconnects are Cardas Clear XLR. Speaker cables are Cardas Clear Beyond. Power cords are Cardas Clear to everything except amps, which is Clear Beyond. All power is through a PS Audio PP12.
I'm thinking i may want to try a tube preamp with this... although I'm open to solid state as well
The rest of the setup:
Pass XA60.5
Audio Physic Avanti III
PS Audio DirectStream Sr (with bridge2)
PS Audio PerfectWave transport
All interconnects are Cardas Clear XLR. Speaker cables are Cardas Clear Beyond. Power cords are Cardas Clear to everything except amps, which is Clear Beyond. All power is through a PS Audio PP12.
I'm thinking i may want to try a tube preamp with this... although I'm open to solid state as well