I compared the First Sound passive to a Reference Line Preeminence I passive. The Reference Line was more musical, had greater soundstage depth and more dynamic realism. The reference Line uses Vishey's and was a reference pre-amp for many reviewers a few years back. You may want to add this to your list of possibilities.
Placette, VS First Sound VS Audio Synthesis Passio
I'm looking for a very pure & simple passive preamp, 1IP, 1OP. Anyone do an A/B demo on these. I talked to Placette Audio and still don't understand how his unit functions. From researching I gather that an L-Pad design using only Vishey Resistors(inc grnd)is the way to go. There only would be 2 resistors in the signal path at all times no matter where the dial is....no relays..etc in the signal path. I believe Audio Synthisis uses this as well as the original First Sound reference II signature mono unit with vishay R which I never seen.
Will a remote add coloration as well as muting etc.
Will a remote add coloration as well as muting etc.