Interesting comments from Mikem as I had similar experiences with a couple passive preamps into my CJ Premier 11a tube amp. The Adcom GFP-750 was "lifeless" in passive mode and was somewhat better running active. I still didn't care much for the Adcom's relatively weak air & soundstage compared to some tube preamps plus it seemed a bit bright to me.
I tried a used McCormack TLC-1 passive/buffered preamp earlier this month and the McCormack is much better in my setup running in either passive or buffered modes. Either setting on the TLC-1 was better than the Adcom in its best mode. The TLC-1 is very neutral but not boring. I tried the Adcom GFP-750 with various solid-state and my tube power amp but it didn't cut it for me. I still have the McCormack TLC-1 and plan to keep it. A true bargain at about $400 used (but not remote controllable).
I picked up a used Conrad-Johnson PF-R solid state preamp just this weekend and so far, it's more to my liking being somewhat neutral with extended frequency response yet it has a wee bit of midrange sweetness that I enjoy. And yes, it's able to bring my tube amp to "life". I've gone through many preamps in the past year, solid-state, tubes, and passive. Right now I'm leaning toward solid-state so long as it has some signs of "life" especially in the midrange and isn't too neutral or boring.
I do love the soundstage, air, and midrange sweetness of some tube preamps but I haven't found one (yet) that has the low frequency extension (bass) of a good solid-state preamp. Still looking and open for suggestions.
I tried a used McCormack TLC-1 passive/buffered preamp earlier this month and the McCormack is much better in my setup running in either passive or buffered modes. Either setting on the TLC-1 was better than the Adcom in its best mode. The TLC-1 is very neutral but not boring. I tried the Adcom GFP-750 with various solid-state and my tube power amp but it didn't cut it for me. I still have the McCormack TLC-1 and plan to keep it. A true bargain at about $400 used (but not remote controllable).
I picked up a used Conrad-Johnson PF-R solid state preamp just this weekend and so far, it's more to my liking being somewhat neutral with extended frequency response yet it has a wee bit of midrange sweetness that I enjoy. And yes, it's able to bring my tube amp to "life". I've gone through many preamps in the past year, solid-state, tubes, and passive. Right now I'm leaning toward solid-state so long as it has some signs of "life" especially in the midrange and isn't too neutral or boring.
I do love the soundstage, air, and midrange sweetness of some tube preamps but I haven't found one (yet) that has the low frequency extension (bass) of a good solid-state preamp. Still looking and open for suggestions.