Placette pasive pre vs. BAT VK-50SE

I have a Placette and have heard the VK-50SE extensively. The Placette is almost completely neutral and the VK-50SE (runs hot and sucks a lot of electricity) while also neutral, adds its character: lean, detailed and dynamic to the music and is a bit hard and processed sounding. And it seems to work sound best using balanced outputs with the VK-75SE or VK-60.

Another better option is to buy a cd player that has an analog output. You will be surprised at how much more purity/transparency you can get by using one less interconnect. Check the threads for comments on the Audio Aero Capitole and Resolution Audio.

mrgigi, with only one source what you need is the Placette RVC (remote volume control) which i use and am told sounds the same as the Placette passive pre. I have tried the BAT50SE in my system and prefer the Placette although in some systems the BAT50SE can have a better balance with added weight and body.

i have compared the Placette RVC to the volume control in the Audio Aero Capitole 192/24 version 1 and preferred the Placette RVC. the volume control in the Capitole added a coloration and obscured detail. again, in some systems this "warmth" may be preferrable. you do need the additional interconnect as Ultrakaz mentions but that has far less effect on the sound than the mediocre volume control that Audio Aero uses. it is important to keep the interconnect from the Placette to the amp as short as possible to reduce/eliminate any impedence problems.

Hey Mike, does the Placette RVC good to use when you have a preamp without its own remote control option?

In a similar situation, I own the superb Mark Levinson 380S pre ( original, not upgraded ), but recently picked up a used Placette RVC for the hell of it.

I have been listening back and forth for the last couple of months, listening to one for a week or so, then the other.
Regardless of cost, if I had to pick one, I am picking the Placette and selling my 380S.

Neither is perfect though, at least in my opinion wit hm ysystem, room, & ears. The Placette is easily more tranparent, offers better detail, and more fluidity ... but a slight lack of drive. The 380S really controls the music, keeping all instruments in a well deifing & controlled space, has great drive, and great user features. If the 380S was a tad more transparent, then I would keep it. Maybe that is what the mighty ML #32 offers ?

FYI: My system is here
http://cgi.audioasylum.com/systems/1132.html