It is my contention that if you have:
1. A source with low output impedance, most made today do
2. A power amp with a high input impedance, many do, especially tube amps
3. cables with low reactance that aren't too long from pre to power amp, I use 1/2 meter Cardas Neutral Reference
there is no way an active stage can do anything but degrade the signal.
I have used and I am using a passive preamp with wonderful results. Great dynamics, superb resolution, plenty of extension on both ends of the frequency spectrum, and I saved a bunch of money not having to buy an expensive preamp.
As suggested, buy a good used unit and try it.
1. A source with low output impedance, most made today do
2. A power amp with a high input impedance, many do, especially tube amps
3. cables with low reactance that aren't too long from pre to power amp, I use 1/2 meter Cardas Neutral Reference
there is no way an active stage can do anything but degrade the signal.
I have used and I am using a passive preamp with wonderful results. Great dynamics, superb resolution, plenty of extension on both ends of the frequency spectrum, and I saved a bunch of money not having to buy an expensive preamp.
As suggested, buy a good used unit and try it.