What is a passive preamp?

Just trying to answer the question correctly. I don't give crap whether anyone likes the answer or not. Maybe I just can't understand the english language. I have a question. What is a linestage?

A linestage is a preamplifier that can only deal with line level sources (CD players, DACs, tape decks, tuners) i.e. it is a preamplifier that does not have a phono stage.

I knew you were joking when you said preamp meant before the amp Herman. Come on you had to be. You don't call speakers postamps do you?

and you were surely joking when you said a preamp had to have a phono stage?

Since most preamps (even active ones) in normal operation are usually used to reduce the signal level, not increase it, shouldn't they really be called pre-attenuators?

No- Because they have the capability of amplifying(adding gain to) the signal. In some countries they are referred to as a, "control Amp." That is, perhaps, a more accurate description.