What is a non-active pre-amp stage?? Are their advantages to this design??

I am considering an  Conrad Johnson CA-150 integrated amp which offers a "non active pre-amp stage"

Need and explanation of this design.  What are its pros and cons??  Does it provide better sound quality or performance, than an "active pre-amp stage" ?

Any comments about the C.J, CA-150 integrated amp sound quality??

Thank you,

S.J.