Difference between active and passive preamps


I'm still using a Sony TA E86B SS preamp from about 20 years ago. It still sounds good and clean to me and has been absolutely troublefree.

In putting together a new system -- Green Mountain Europa's, Edge M8 amp, Discovery Essence IC's --
I want to consider how to further improve things.

What are the relative advantages/disadvantages of passive vs active preamps?

Is it a good idea to stay in same "family" as amp to replace preamp?

Best preamp under $2000 to reproduce jazz, symphonic, choral, acoustic, world music?

Thanks.
wrayray

Showing 1 response by abex

If you have a high input impedence amp say above 10-20Kohms(not considerd high) try the FT Audio LW-1 for $500. some say it's not till you get into $3500 Active Pre-Amp's that you will get enoungh quality to be adequate.

Get a Low Capacitance Cable. You can use a Canare LV77 cable to get buy untill you find something better. They are something like $20.

I think the clarity and Transparency are the things I like most about using a Passive. I was using a Rotel Pre intil getting the LW-1 and it outshone the Rotel in every department!