Passive preamp for Tube Amp?

Placette Active does not address the issue of gain for phono - it has no gain, only sophisticated buffering.

I agree the RVC is extremely fast, uncolored and transparent, but if you compare it Placette Active (I owned both) you will notice something was missing in the bass and midbass - the difference was very obvious to me and I would say my set-up is very "passive" friendly. The SB102 based TVC (S&B xfromers) I just got is also extremely transparent, quiet, etc, but I beleive it has significantly better bass than the RVC has and a touch of warmth, that most users will like very much IMHO. This does not mean the RVC is not excellent, it is, and you will be fine with it, but when you start comparing it with either the Active version or the good TVCs, I think you might make a different decision as to which you prefer.

Another excellent use for the RVC is to use it in line with your pre to give you 100s of volume level combinations, expecially when you have a stepped attenuator or a pre/amp combo with too much gain (e.g., CAT SL1) - a truly transparent device (which of course does not mean you enjoy listening to it as much as something else, even if not quite as transparent and uncolored).