Poll - Active vs. Passive preamp

You can see my system components here:

http://cgi.audioasylum.com/systems/7245.html

I didn't take the time to add it up properly, but without including the cost of cables the system I have runs about $20k MSRP.

My preamp consists of S&B TX-102 MkI transformers implemented as a TVC and built for me by Kevin Carter at K&K Audio. This replaced a Joule Electra LA-100 MkIII in my system, a preamp which I am very fond of as it is extremely musical. I find it very hard to go back to an active preamp, although I probably will for a change of pace and to hear the differences.

John does indicate the new Bent TAP has buffered input settings, but one should rarely find them to sound better than the non-buffered setting since most sources used today will have enough output voltage to drive the passive.

I believe the new Pass B1 has buffered outputs and addresses what I think is a more important issue with the ability of the passive to drive the amp, primarily due to component and/or cable impedance mismatching. It's my belief that any lack of bass or drive from a passive is primarily due to these issues. If a buffered output solves this then perhaps we're on to something. IIRC Burson makes a buffer stage that has been very well received, but unlike the Pass I do not beileve it offers a volume control.

As to whether a tube buffer or solid state buffer works best, I really can't venture to say since I've tried neither. I'm also not aware of a tube buffer with a volume control.

Never had a problem running my vinyl rig through a passive. At the time I was using a K&K SE phono stage (65db) and Dynavector 20XL with my K&K TVC. However, I do see where vinyl could present an issue.