2. amps-preamps
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Passive preamp for Tube Amp?

Has anyone tried using a passive pre with a tube amplifier? In particular I am interested in a passive like a Placette PVC with a McIntosh MC275. Primary source will be phono via a Rogue Stealth. Speakers are Quad 2805.

I have heard mixed reviews on whether this would result in softened dynamics and bass impact. Many of the published reviews of the Placette are very positive, but I have read some posts by actual users who mentioned the softened dynamics and weak bass.

The Placette comes with a 30 day home trial, but I am just looking for as much information up front as I can get. Thanks for any wisdom here...

Dave
tricon_dave
kerouac
12 posts
 
Dave,
Passives are a wonderful transparent big soundstage way to go.
You need to be aware of your output impedence of your CD player and your input impedence of your amp. I have owned and listened to many passives.
Interconnect length is a big deal, as short as possible. My personal favorites are from Reference Line, the Placette is a good one also, for the money.
Try it, you might like it. I use a new version of the Reference Line Preeminence One with a VK60, and have great bass, and a clean, clear, transparent soundstage that goes on forever that a active can never provide.
getheleadout
144 posts
 
Get the Placette, you'll be blown away...
redwoodgarden
150 posts
 
I use two Placette Preamps so I've had lots of experience with them. The idea that Placettes soften dynamics and weaken the bass punch is pure nonsense. Placette's pass All of the sound through completely undistorted using Vishay resistors with an accuracy of +/- .005%. No other passive line control even comes close. The only problem with the Placette passive line contol is that it, as the name implies, has no amplification for phono sources. The Placette Active Preamp must be used in this case.
clio09
3,346 posts
 
Try a TVC, especially those that use S&B transformers like the Bent or K&K (which is the one I have). I've been using one with a 2V digital source, a phono stage with 64db of gain, and an amp with 67K input impedance. Amazing transparency, clarity, and soundstage. With a TVC you still need to pay attention to impedance matching, especially with the sources driving the TVC, but you have more flexibility than what most resistor based passives can offer.

Here is an interesting link that will help explain the impedance of a TVC:

http://www.stevens-billington.co.uk/page102.htm
pubul57
3,712 posts
 
Placette Active does not address the issue of gain for phono - it has no gain, only sophisticated buffering.
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