Just a short addition. I used a Bent Audio passive with my DNA-225, liked it very much, but parted with it for reasons other than the pairing with the DNA-225. BTW, I liked the Bent better than the Placette. Also, do not forget the McCormack passive line stages, they are very nice, indeed.
I used a Kora Eclipse tube pre and a Sonic Frontiers Line2 with it to good effect. One of the best I heard with the DNA-225 was an Air Tight ATC-3 but it had the issue with too much gain, too quickly.
I have found what I consider to be a great line stage that I am enjoying tremendously with the McCormack - Herron VTSP-1A with the 166-step volume control. No remote, though.
I used a Kora Eclipse tube pre and a Sonic Frontiers Line2 with it to good effect. One of the best I heard with the DNA-225 was an Air Tight ATC-3 but it had the issue with too much gain, too quickly.
I have found what I consider to be a great line stage that I am enjoying tremendously with the McCormack - Herron VTSP-1A with the 166-step volume control. No remote, though.