Passive preamps - differences between technologies


Hello!

I have been wondering what are the main differences in the way some passive preamps are designed. 

Some have resistors, some are transformer based.. What are the pros/cons?

More specifically, I'm looking at Music First Classic/Baby Reference V2 vs Hattor the Big or a Tortuga.

I'm looking for an upgrade from Audio Research LS16, considering looking for ARC Ref3 or a nice passive. My amp is ARC Ref150 (which is a lovely thing and I feel like the LS16 is holding it back) and phono pre is RCM sensor2 mk2 - so there's enough gain from the phono, the power amp has 300k ohms input, my DAC can output 1-3V rms, I use interconnects up to 1m so a passive could be an option. 

Thank you. 

Greetings from Prague with the first snow

Filip

128x128filipm

Showing 1 response by boomerbillone

Hello filipm!  If your speakers are sufficiently efficient, and your amp is sensitive enough, you are wise to skip unnecessary electronics. That's what I do in my demonstration/lab system. Why put money into something you don't need. Mine is a simple volume control with six sets of dual RCA plug inputs chosen by a switch with silver contacts. Enjoy the music!