2. amps-preamps
  3. 1159194844

Passive Pre - No Regrets?

I'm interested in hearing from folks who have moved from a high quality active preamp (I'm currently using a CAT SL1 Ulitmate)to a passive preamp and have had no regrets. I'm particularly interested in hearing from those that have switched to a Placette or Sonic Euphoria (the two I'm considering). I'm using a CAT JL2 Amp feeding Merling VSM-MX.
pubul57

Showing 3 responses by ozzy62

ozzy62's avatar
ozzy62
3,292 posts
 
Active preamps I have owned:

Modulus 3A
JJ Electronics 243
Cary V-12P(hot rodded SLP-98)
Bruce Moore Companion
BAT VK3i
BAT VK-30
Reference Line Preeminence 1

I would say my current TVC based preamp using S&B Mark I trannies beats 'em all. And BTW, I borrowed a Placette for a night, not even close.

Oz
ozzy62's avatar
ozzy62
3,292 posts
 
"I should have a Bent audio unit with Stevens & Billington TX102 trannies in for a comparison within two weeks."

Now THAT I want to hear about....;-}

Oz
ozzy62's avatar
ozzy62
3,292 posts
 
I agree about the careful system matching required with any passive, including a TVC. But when it all comes together, the dynamics, timing, bass extension, transparency...etc.... is all there in spades with a TVC. Mine has beaten some high dollar active preamps in my system and I have no desire to go back. However, with that said, my preamp does not sound good in all systems. If the matching amp doesn't have enough voltage gain, then all bets are off. As always, YMMV.

Oz
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