Passive preamp for Tube Amp?


Has anyone tried using a passive pre with a tube amplifier? In particular I am interested in a passive like a Placette PVC with a McIntosh MC275. Primary source will be phono via a Rogue Stealth. Speakers are Quad 2805.

I have heard mixed reviews on whether this would result in softened dynamics and bass impact. Many of the published reviews of the Placette are very positive, but I have read some posts by actual users who mentioned the softened dynamics and weak bass.

The Placette comes with a 30 day home trial, but I am just looking for as much information up front as I can get. Thanks for any wisdom here...

Dave
tricon_dave

Showing 1 response by gregm

Consider the following:

Using a passive attenuation device requires that you optimise electrical "energy transfer" parametres (between pre & amp)

1) The output impedance of the pre and the input of the amp are important. The placette seems to have a reasonably low output imp and reasonably steady across the audible spectrum -- and this helps.

2) The source component (i.e. whatever precedes the "passive" pre) will be driving: wire-> volume control (passive pre)->wire->amp. So it must have a strong output.

3) Softened bass is usually the sign that insufficient energy is entering the amp -- it has to do with the source, the impedances of the amp & the attenuation device (passive pre).

4) If you know the input impedance of yr amp & the output specs of the Rogue, you can guess what the results would be. Or, you can try it.