Is no preamp really better that a good preamp?

PHD, some Pass labs, First watt, Threshold ect, had very low input impedance <33kohm and low gain.

So yes they would be suited better with buffered passives or active preamps. Rather than just a passive attenuator.

The ones that have >33kohm (the standard being 47kohm or more) input impedance, and 1-2v input sensitivity for full output, would suit a passive attenuator.

Cheers George

The Pass pre's that had passive or gain free attributes (?) were single ended, it seemed as though the Pass Laboratories amps worked best via their balanced inputs.
I'm not sure, but I seem to recall that the Pass Laboratories pre's were not from Nelson Pass's pen.

Stereophile just posted a review of a GBP 9,000 ($13,619) passive preamp.

I've had issues with excess gain in systems over the years - but nothing remotely approaching the excess gain I'd be forking over to the maker of that $13k passive preamp should I be foolish enough to buy one.

10-01-15: Tortilladc
Stereophile just posted a review of a GBP 9,000 ($13,619) passive preamp.

[/quote]http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GyhUlk9a9XA/VP5Csf0PiVI/AAAAAAAA2Nc/p_qnnqHizO0/s1600/the_bespoke_audio_company_preamplifier_review_matej_isak_mono_and_stereo_01_1.jpg[/url]

You do get a pair of white gloves with it.

Cheers George