Passive Pre - No Regrets?

I was using a Joule Electra LA-100MkIII before moving to a passive TVC. THe TVC was built for me by Kevin Carter at K&K Audio using S&B TX-102 MkI transformers and Seiden switches. It is configured with dual volume and dual input selectors. It has 2 inputs and 2 outputs.

The Joule is a very musical and outstanding preamp. However, the passive TVC just matched up better with my high input sensitive solid state amp. I gained more accuracy, detail, and overall tonal balance with the K&K, at the expense of some mid range sweetmess and the musicality the Joule offered (which for a tube preamp is pretty neutral IMO). I don't regret the move, but I do miss the Joule.

I have never listened to the Placette, but have heard the Sonic Euphoria as that was on my list. The K&K is better IMO and has character (there is a liveliness to the presentation), which I think the Sonic Euphoria lacks (somewhat boring presentation, but accurate). I did listen to some resistor-based passives and prefer the TVC implementation. Again, more of a preference as I heard quite a few nice resistor-based passives. To me the TVC is easier to match up with amps and you don't necessarily have to worry about cable lengths.

I came across Dave Slagle via Thom Mackris at Galibier Design. Thom was very impressed with the autoformer Dave built for last years RMAF. Lynn Olson recently reviewed the Monarchy M24 DAC/preamp and used the autoformer in the review system. He gave the combinaton a glowing review. I certainly give both these gentleman a lot of credibility. I myself own an S&B TVC custom built for me by Kevin Carter. I have heard the Sonic Euphoria and did not like it as much as my TVC, but when I'm at RMAF this year you can bet I'm going to see what it will take to get my hands on a Dave Slagle autoformer.

Resistor-based passives, TVCs and autoformers all have their place. Just like anything in audio it all comes down to a well thought out and executed design. There are many fine flavors to choose from and that what makes this hobby fun for me.

Tbg, just curious, were any of the passives a TVC design. If so could you mention which one. My understanding is that TVCs are not prone to the impedance mismatching issues that the resistor-based passives are prone to. Thanks

People like Guy Placette and Emmanuel Go (who originally offered a passive design that is no longer avalailable) designed and built active preamps for a reason.

Tbg, I think your opinion is very valid. I have a TVC and a battery powered active linestage. I think both have positives and negatives, although in my experience the TVC has less negatives. In fact, I have used both in the system at the same time with great results (DAC>TVC>Active>amp). I feel my TVC is truer to the sound, but my active is livelier. Just mt two cents worth.