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Poll - Active vs. Passive preamp

Thought it might be interesting to see who's using a passive vs. active linestage. List your total system value and/or components as well.

Have been enjoying a Supratek for about 8 months now. It is indeed a killer unit. Today, for kicks, I put the Prometheus TVC back in the system - it is pretty astounding how good it sounds at 1/10th the cost. I was very impressed (again). I'll withhold further comments.

I'd previously concluded that almost all really good higher-end systems use an active linestage. I wonder how true that statement is.
paulfolbrecht

Showing 1 response by ozzy62

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ozzy62
3,308 posts
 
I am firmly on the fence on this one. I am a former TVC owner and have sung it's praises here. And in the right system (especially with the right amp) it is indeed hard to beat. But after upgrading to a CJ Premier 140 I realized that it was not "passive friendly". It is indeed a better amp than my previous RM9, but really needs an active gain stage before it to realize it's potential. Not trying to be too ambiguous here, but I think a TVC or a REALLY good active linestage can be equals, but usually not in the same system. One or the other will sound better in any given situation. Don't ask me about resistor based passives, because they don't even merit discussion.

Oz
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