2. amps-preamps
  3. 187335-176102

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 helicoptank

helicoptank
4 posts
 

Don’t have the technical know-how of most on this thread but I’ve been using a Slagle/Jackson(EMIA) elmaformer for the last few years. I haven’t shot it out vs other passive designs but it did beat out a Levinson no.28 and a McIntosh c220 in my high efficiency horn system. Beautiful large step attenuated volume knob and a three input switch. 
 

looks-wise it’s my favorite piece of gear in any system I’ve had/seen

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