Passive Pre - No Regrets?

The better sound of the active unit comes as no surprise. The real question is whether the active unit is competitive with less expensive active units.

I know you don't want to hear it, but I have tried five passive units over the last ten years. In each case, I gave up and went back to active units to get back the pace and dynamics of music.

I grant that there is a purity to passive units, but I cannot take them for very long.

Wait a while before selling the CAT. Go back to it after two weeks.

I think the controversy about passive line stages suggests that people listen for different things and that systems vary greatly. Much of the verbal discussion of sound is much like a debate about whether red or blue are the best color.

This is at least the fourth thread I have seen on the active vs. passive line stage question, and they all result in the same response. Some cannot conceive of anything other than passive and others prefer active, with many having tried both. What does this tell you? System and tastes vary, I would think. It very much suggests that little is exchanged other than personal experiences. Would it not be great were we able to post sounds rather than words?

Pubul57, given my personal experience with 5 passive units, I suspect he is suggesting that any passive unit cannot give the speed, transparency, and soundstage of at least some active units. I personally value the purity of passive units caused, I believe, by their lack of parts, but I have never been able to tolerate the lack of their ability to give the pace of live music. This is largely the lack of dynamics and probably reflects their not having the matching of impedances that is present in active units.

Would someone tell me what a TVC design is? I have tried the Placette, the Silver Rock, the Reference, several quality pots with silver selector switches, and the Big Dog.

Gregm, thanks; so I guess the Silver Rock was the only TVC.

A consensus view on Audiogon? Even were there such a thing, I would not trust it either. In reality we are dependent on an extended group of friends whose views and ears we trust. Most of mine will not post on Audiogon or AudioAsylum.

Why do I post and monitor Audiogon and AA? Once in a while I learn something valuable and sense enthusiasm in a post on a new product that causes me to fully explore it. The Stealth Dream power cords are such an example.