"...But when compared to a good passive, it's just no contest..."
I've tried the Creek OBH22, which provides great clarity and resolution - because I wanted to go direct to an amp, but with a volume control with remote. It did provide greater clarity than my preamps.
But... what passives do you suggest? Townshend? Others?
I realize this is not focused on passives, and that there are other threads that do - but - just wondered what your experience has been in this regard?