Bent Audio Autoformer vs Tube Pre

I have sold my Dude as my source is now fully balanced. I don't know your view on passives so if you can share, that would be great.

Well, yes the Dude still abides in my system and will stay! I tried a Bent product a couple of years ago that only had one input if I recall. The best passive I have tried was the Lightspeed. If money was my number one issue, and I needed to obtain the best sound I could for very little money, I would look to the Lightspeed.

In my systems the Dude was just more pleasing to listen through. I am far more engaged in the music with it in my system compared to a passive.

Was the Bent that you tried an Autoformer and fully balanced unit?

No just the basic TAP autoformer , not balanced.

Grannyring,
To be fair this topic has no universal 'right' answer as it depends on numerous varibles. For me however, a top quality active tube linestage is more satisfying and realistic of instruments and voice based on what I hear in live venues.Oh by the way, YMMV.
Regards,