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

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Showing 2 responses by pindac

I've used a range of Stepped Att', with the DACT Brand being the most expensive.

A few lesser types than DACT, when used in my system put a lot of their traits into the end sonic, I recollect not much being an attraction. 

I also use the Slagle AVC and know the Promethius TVC very well.

Both are in my view, as a Standalone an improvement over a Stepped Att'.

The AVC and TVC do add a hint of Richness, but that is probably the result of the windings. The overall presentation is where the design wins favour. 

I have heard a Khozmo used as an upgrade VC and this was quite a substantial betterment. 

On the same design Pre' as the one that had the Khozmo, I have heard it with the Prom' TVC as the VC. In comparisons the Khozmo was the one with the most attraction.

I have had Bespoke Stepped Att's made for my own pre' that is close in design to the pre's being referred to, as a result of the Khozmo. 

It looks like systems are able to be quite influential on how the VC types are perceived. 

There is also the digital VC designs, such as the 'Muses' that have been very much liked in user reports. 

If a Hint of Richness is on the 'to be experienced' list.

A Cable with D.U.C.C Wire has the capability to produce this Tonality e, as a very subtle influence, the thickening up of the mid's and lower frequencies, is a typical  effect from the Cable, that has been perceived across a few systems I have loaned the Cables with this Wire Type to be used in.

Because the Wires Tonality is perceivable when a Group has been at a Demo' of it in use there has been a mixed response/thoughts disclosed on how it is able to create an impression.