difference between an active and a passive preamp?


hi,
I have a nad c272 amp and am looking for a good preamp to go with it, but I am on a very tight budget. I see lots of preamps that are acive and some passive - I have no idea of the difference? I have quad 22L speakers and listen to cd only. Any help understanding these differences would be great. I just want simple 2 channel preamp, with as tube like sound as possible. Please help, and many thanks,
jason
128x128audioflyer67
Interesting.  If you have the "Data II" update, it looks like you have a Class A circuit.  The Musatex probably uses FET devices (the MELIOR BS-1 used FET).  A passive preamp may work well here.  If you're not sure, you can check out the Schiit Freya.  With that, you have your choice of passive, JFET or tube gain stages.  It's probably in the budget that you're looking for.  15 day return policy if it doesn't work out.
check out the Schiit Freya. With that, you have your choice of passive, JFET or tube gain stages.
+1  auxinput

Cheers George
Thanks! No, mine is a stock unit.

I am leaning towards the Tortuga Audio but have not made my mind yet.