The best passive preamp

Here's another vote for the NOH. With the right amps in my system it has outperformed a SimAudio P5, an Audion Premier and a Canary 801. It has clarity, dynamics, low-level listenability - there's just less getting in the way of the music.

I don't know if it will run with the REALLY big dogs - the CJs, ARCs, VTLs, CATs and Lamms of the world, but I can't see anyone being disappointed if the rest of their system is sympathetic - especially when the price difference stays in your pocket.

GET BENT.

System matching/synergy is key as usual. Need enough juice coming out of your source and decent gain and input impedence in your power amp. The Bent NOH is transparent, detailed, extended, with just an ever so slight hint of sweetness that makes you forget about the gear and let you enjoy the sound.

Thank you very much!

Have any of you Bent users heard the Sonic Euphoria PLC? I'm curious about this unit because the Bent is no longer available, and because they have a 30-day trial period.

Also, roughly what conditions would contraindicate a passive?

I had the Sonic Euphoria and liked it a lot ... butthe First Sound Passive Preamp (Reference II) was a tad better resolving complicated passages.

Hope this helps