passive preamp matching


wonder if someone could explain what a passive (no gain) preamp is vs a regular preamp. And how difficult is it to 'match' a passive preamp to other audio components.

Articles I have read mention being careful about output voltage and capacitance of cables used.

Wanted to know if a Mccormack TLC-1 would work well with a B7K 2140 poweramp.
keroo1099

Showing 2 responses by gregm

No, you're not. According to thisreport by J Atkinson at Stereophile, the TLC-1 you're considering should do OK with yr 33,2k amp -- if a bit uncertain at very low volumes.
You may want to try it at low volume level (say 8-9 o' clock). Again, however, on paper it should be fine.
BTW, it seems this device offers less than unity (i.e. full output lower than input).
I am assuming that the cd player has normal input and output values.
No, no, your cd player doesn't have an input value -- don;t worry about that. All you're concerned with, is the output of your cdp -- usually 2V and whatever watt rating it has. It's ok really.