2. amps-preamps
  3. 1309907445

Do Passive Pre-Amps 'Limit' the Lower-Mids?

The following is from a comparison between an active (ARC-LS3) pre-amp and passive or pre-amp less system-operation; "Connecting a source-component directly to one's amp is no panacea for sonic realism, in my experience. It can even be a deterrent as the life and body of the sound can be sucked out of a system which is perfectly capable of LIFELIKE reproduction. What is left is a thoroughly competent sound that is crisp and clear but dry and analytical, and also bereft of lower-midrange body, liquid-lucidity and lifelike-musicallity..." The full 'review' is at: Active vs Passive Pre
waj4all

Showing 3 responses by grannyring

grannyring's avatar
grannyring
6,436 posts
 
I have heard lots of passives in my various systems over the years. I won't name them all, but they all have and are currently highly praised by passive fans. In each case I heard exactly what the poster described - I mean exactly!

Yes, I even had good synergy between the amp/passive and CD player and passive - still ended up with threadbare or thin sound that was certainly highly transparent and clean.

I am most perplexed that many seem to love passive preamps as my experiences with these units left me wanting. Many folks I respect love passive preamps so I guess it just comes down to personal sound preferences and PERFECT synergy. I suppose the perfect synergy thing as eluded me?

All one can do is try one in their system and make up their own mind. Just take care and be sure your current amp is a good candidate for a passive. Passive units do not like amps with a low input impedance (below 40-50K for instance)
grannyring's avatar
grannyring
6,436 posts
 
Great point Frogman. I have only used speakers that are 87db efficient 2-40 ohm Soundlab, 92 db effecient/8 ohm Silverline and 90 db efficient 4 ohm Dali with a passive.

I know my amp/passive was a good match as well as my CD front end and the passive. I have wondered if the efficiency of the speaker also plays a role on the sound and success of a passive. Clio09 uses high efficiency speakers and likes his passive greatly. Perhaps the speaker plays a larger role in the successful utilization of a passive pre then I understand. How do we define highly efficient? Over 97 db and over 8 ohms?

Waj4all, I have not tried or heard the Coincident preamp, but like you find it very interesting. Love to compare it to a Dude someday! I have not tried a tranny based passive, but others like the Lightspeed and Placette.
grannyring's avatar
grannyring
6,436 posts
 
Milpai, you seem to have missed my point. Most of us know the passive is often times dependent on proper matching of the amp and source. That is a given. But what about the speaker? High or low efficiency? What role does it play, if any, in making a passive work well in a system?
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