Thank you very much for your answers and personal experiences. In the past I once used a passive attenuator (Qed) with PS Audio Delta250 monoblocks as as my budget coudn't stretch to buy the accomodating preamp with it (audiophiles and budgets ;-). It too sounded the way people (negatively) describe passives: lifeless, less dynamics and kind of subdued in the extremes.
As I was looking to replace my Conrad Johnson Premier 3 all (9!) tube amp, which sounds closed in, non-3D and not transparant enough in this setup, I came across some pages describing the passive matter (FT Audio LW-1) again which was said to overcome these problems.
I think now that this is too good to be true. I am thinking of going with the Bryston BP20 now which I can pickup for a decent price, go balanced and have time enough to look for a next preamp upgrade as I believe this is a very important component. The Musical Fidelity 3D deserves a good one I think!
As I was looking to replace my Conrad Johnson Premier 3 all (9!) tube amp, which sounds closed in, non-3D and not transparant enough in this setup, I came across some pages describing the passive matter (FT Audio LW-1) again which was said to overcome these problems.
I think now that this is too good to be true. I am thinking of going with the Bryston BP20 now which I can pickup for a decent price, go balanced and have time enough to look for a next preamp upgrade as I believe this is a very important component. The Musical Fidelity 3D deserves a good one I think!