If you are looking for a really transparent sounding passive pre look at the model by Placette Audio. It has three line level inputs and two outputs, 127 stepped remote control attenuator and the company provides great customer service. These are rather hard to find used but if you can find one it is highly recommended.
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Check out the FT Audio LW-1 ($500 new) it is highly regarded and has excellent reviews in the audio magazines. Supposedly they have conquered all the downsides of passive pre's and the unit has terrific dynamics, imaging, transparency, and surprisingly BASS! Many of the owners that I've traded emails with say they get great slam and low frequency extension. Also, it has 5 inputs and tape monitor. Anyway, it comes with a 30-day return policy, so there's no risk. The US distributor, Paul Lam is a great guy to talk to and is incredibly honest. He will honestly tell you whether the LW-1 will work in your system or not. P.L.C.Lam Consulting Inc. 2 Asgar Walk Tel: 306-586-8596 Regina, Saskatchewan S4S 6W4 Fax: 306-585-3837 [email protected] 2nd phone number, 306-949-8048. website: http://www.ftaudio.com/ Reviews: http://www.uhfmag.com/Issue54/Passive54.html http://www.goodsound.com/original/other.html - (2/3rds down the page) http://www.audio-ideas.com/reviews/preamps/ft-audio.html Also, search the archives on AudioAsylum.com's General Forum, there has been lots of discussion about the unit, and a few owner revies. AudioReview.com has quite few owner reviews. And Ebay consumer reviews. |
Definitely check out the Audio Synthesis Passion Ultimate. It's all passive and has 3 inputs, a remote control, and a green LED display. The sound is very dynamic with great resolution. The apparent build quality is superb, especially the machined aluminum remote. It sells for $1795 and comes with a 21 day money back guarantee through www.acousticimage.com |
Subdoofus, Ric Schultz's site says that their "Ultimate Attenuators" have been temporarily discontinued. No news when they will begin making them again. As for "high-quality" passives, the best that come to mind are the Placette, FT Audio, Morrison ELAD, and Belles has the GR-8. You could start a fairly ugly fistfight between owners of the first three as to which is best, all have a very dedicated/fanatical following. I don't think many people have ever really had two of them in their house at the same time, so opinions are highly subjective. But, most of them have stopped looking after plugging one into their system. Like anything in this hobby, it's a matter of personal taste. I haven't heard much about the Belles, it's fairly new, but their amps are highly regarded and I doubt they would squander their reputation at this point. |
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