What is a passive preamp?

My impression, it`s a linestage pre. without a phono section, and/or tone controls. Is this correct?

pmm03-01-2008 10:35pm

newbee Details Discussions Posts This discussion Message User 4,751 posts 03-01-2008 at 11:14pm Copy Comment URL Report Comment Edit Delete A passive pre-amp doesn't amplify the signal. It only attenuates the signal from the source. A "Passive pre-amp" can come with one or more inputs but the use of the name "passive pre-amp" is inappropriate. Your impression is correct. It is a passive 'line stage', or in the case of a single input its simply an inline volume control/attenuator.