I have owned the Creek OBH-12, McCormack TLC-1, Adcom GFP-750, Classe CP-35, CJ PF-R, CJ PV-12L, CJ PV-14L, ARC LS-16, and BAT VK-20. My CD player is the Cary 306/200 and my amp is the CJ Premier 11a tube amp.
Of the passive preamps, I like the McCormack TLC-1 the best(but no remote), the Creek OBH-12 next, and lastly the Adcom GFP-750 (in passive or active mode). The McCormack produces the least coloration without upsetting the soundstage. The OBH-12 is quite good, much better than the Adcom GFP-750. The Adcom sounded flat and lacking dynamics in passive mode and was somewhat bright and irritating in active mode. However, in my system, an active preamp seems to be a better fit for my listening enjoyment. The active preamps do seem to produce better dynamics and soundstage.
Of the vacuum tube preamps above, the ARC LS16 was the most neutral sounding and had the best bass authority but not nearly as good as the ss preamps. Ultimately, I prefer a ss active preamp and find the CJ PF-R to be outstanding with good dynamics while retaining that nice CJ midrange. The BAT VK-20 (which is in my system now) is more neutral than the CJ PF-R and it has great dynamics and soundstage while having the best user interface I have ever experienced. I still haven't decided which I like better and for now it's a toss up between the CJ PF-R and the BAT VK-20, both priced about the same on the used market. I'm keeping the McCormack TLC-1 and I continue to experiment with the CJ PF-R and the BAT VK-20.
I'd love to try a Placette preamp or a Pass Labs preamp someday.
Of the passive preamps, I like the McCormack TLC-1 the best(but no remote), the Creek OBH-12 next, and lastly the Adcom GFP-750 (in passive or active mode). The McCormack produces the least coloration without upsetting the soundstage. The OBH-12 is quite good, much better than the Adcom GFP-750. The Adcom sounded flat and lacking dynamics in passive mode and was somewhat bright and irritating in active mode. However, in my system, an active preamp seems to be a better fit for my listening enjoyment. The active preamps do seem to produce better dynamics and soundstage.
Of the vacuum tube preamps above, the ARC LS16 was the most neutral sounding and had the best bass authority but not nearly as good as the ss preamps. Ultimately, I prefer a ss active preamp and find the CJ PF-R to be outstanding with good dynamics while retaining that nice CJ midrange. The BAT VK-20 (which is in my system now) is more neutral than the CJ PF-R and it has great dynamics and soundstage while having the best user interface I have ever experienced. I still haven't decided which I like better and for now it's a toss up between the CJ PF-R and the BAT VK-20, both priced about the same on the used market. I'm keeping the McCormack TLC-1 and I continue to experiment with the CJ PF-R and the BAT VK-20.
I'd love to try a Placette preamp or a Pass Labs preamp someday.