Passive preamp vs. powered

>All passive models I have listened to have been a disappointment ultimately<

Jallen I would be willing to bet you have never heard a passive device using autoformers or transformers. Maybe Grannyring hasn't either. In an appropriate system one of these types of linestages can whip the pants off far more expensive active preamps. At least that has been my experience.

Shakey

Amandarae,

"I always examine the equipments of the owners reporting the claim and make my conclusion as to what they have or had and build my impression from there."

Here are some active preamps I have owned (in no particular order):

AI Modulus 3A
CJ Premier 17LS
Lamm LL2
GNSC modded Audio Research SP9 II
Art Audio VPS DM
Gill Audio Alana
Cary SLP-98
Dehavilland Ultraverve II

Do you think any of those would qualify as "decent to a very good design active preamp "?

Shakey

Granny,

Yes, you are right. It's all about what makes YOU happy.

However, I have heard passives such as the Placette, the FT Audio LW-1, Mccormack Line Drive and Reference Line Preemineence 2. None of those can hold a candle to the transformer variety. A completely different animal.

Shakey

I have owned preamps using the S&B Mark I and II trannies (much preferred the Mark I). I have heard a Sowter TVC, owned a Sonic Euphoria PLC and now have the Bent Audio Tap-x. I would say all of them are very good to excellent.

Shakey