I think I speak for everyone and appreciate the link to Jeffrey Jackson, very interesting concept. Somewhat unconventional, definately not the prettiest looking design but isn't that the kind of gear that usually sounds good! |
Violin, could you use a sub with a passive to deliver the needed deep bass or would that defeat the main purpose for using a passive to begin with? I noticed some integrated amps, both tube and solid state use a passive pre, seems like it could take the guess-work out of matching separates. |
TVAD, you have the ultimate preamp! The VRE-1 is very spendy but beautiful and one day I will own one even if I have to wait. I understand that all the years of Steve McCormack's culmative knowledge has gone into the VRE-1. Even his earlier model the TLC-1 is not chopped liver but certainly not in the same category as the VRE-1. However I never thought of the TLC-1 lacking in dynamics especially when paired with one of his amps. |
Herman, thankyou sir for correcting me and pointing out this subject has been debated to death. Realistically I think that most subjects that have been put forth in the forums have been repeated over & over again. However there are some new products that have evolved that could be discussed & their attributes and possibly offer some insight to someone that is considering a passive. |
Cerrot, you just nailed it, well said! |
Herman, well put. I think another factor that hasn't been mentioned is the that highly efficient speakers could play an important role in getting sufficient gain from a system where a passive preamp is used. |
Ig316b, I would agree with you about the TLC-1. I borrowed a CJ PF1 solid state preamp to see if this active preamp would actually sound better than the TLC-1. I gave it 24 hours of continous operation. It was a bit more dynamic but the TLC-1 sounded far better in the midrange/vocals but with a smoother (grain free) top end, also transparency was far better. Now this is the stock TLC-1, I can only imagine how good the TLC-1 would sound with the ultra upgrades. You already know that I like the McCormack products and still own one his amps as well. |
Ig316b, I live in Washington state which borders Canada but not sure how close we are. Yes I would love to give your Ultra a listen! |
IG316B, SOUNDS VERY GOOD. I still would be intersted in hearing which power amp you have paired the Ultra with. |
Ig31b, don't ever make the mistake I made. I sold my upgraded McCormacks. Since then it was like being adrift in a vast ocean never reaching a land mass. You have in the realm of solid state, the best possible sound. |
pubul57. You are correct in regards to Nelson Pass. I'm not sure who Charles Hansen is. |
Pubul57, you have done an excellent job of explaining the technical aspects of this subject and I as well as others have learned a great deal as a result. Given that, you now have my permission to go home and get some sleep! But I expect you to report back first thing in the morning, I don't pay time & half. In the mean time if we have any problems I will call on Herman to police this thread, as he may still may be angry. |
Herman, I am happy to hear that you share the same frustrations as I do but you never know when to take me seriously. I know you are not angry but still I respect you and have alot of love. Thankyou for being here to share your thoughts. |
To summarize some of the posts here and in addition to other aspects I have learned I didn't know before that there are two kinds of passives, resistor and transformer based. Argubly folks swear by both designs and the use of passives require more attention to the proper selection of associated gear and cabling. But once set up properly the results can produce a dynamic but superb sound.
I fell into this not knowing alot about passives but in my particular case the guess work was somewhat taken out by pairing a McCormack TLC-1 to a McCormack amp which has a high input impedance and was obviously designed to accomodate passives. Coupled with highly efficient speakers to the tune of 102db produced a very dynamic, smooth, and spacious sound. I can reach sound levels that challenges actives. It is my opinion that I have not heard a solid state active preamp that compares. The only other type of preamp that I would ever consider as an equal would be a tube preamp but I am leaning more towards the passive because I can leave it powered up all the time and is ready when I am plus it sounds damn good. I will eventually have Smc upgrade my TLC-1 and DNA Deluxe amp or possibly try other passives like the VRE-1. |
Just wanted to thank each and everyone that has posted here and it is quite possibly that the subject has been exhausted. |
I suppose that if your on a budget looking for the biggest bang for the buck than a passive could be the solution. On the other side of the coin there are some audiophiles that have enormous amount of money to spend towards this hobby and still go passive. Even a TLC-1 would require a substantial investment to get Smc's upgrades. |
Ngjockey, not everyone who owns a passive is passive. I live an exciting life. After slopping the hogs I return to my listening room where I quickly fall asleep enjoying my passive preamp. My corn field don't care what kind of preamp I buy!
Don't believe it. |
I want to try the lightspeed Attenuator as well. Pubul57, how much does it go for? |
Rrog, well its true I thought the thread outlived its usefulness I am glad it didn't stop there otherwise I wouldn't have learned about the Lightspeed which in my opinion is extremely unique in its design. Thus the thread has produced what I orinally was seeking to begin with, something new and innovative. |
