I can highly recommend the Ypsilon PST 100 Mk2. It is a passive pre-amplifier that uses transformers to attenuate the sound: very detaIled, nuanced, with minimal coloration. It also has an active mode, which affects the SQ. If you read articles about the Ypsilon, it will give you an idea of how the transformers are used to transmit the signal.
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