Is my Placette linestage holding back my Krell AMP

Ngjockey, well I don't have the Krell yet but I think its an amazing deal at $2,000. Yes probably overkill for Revel Gems but it should last me a long time right?

It's not a problem and that does seem like a good deal.

The specs seem nearly ideal for a passive but there's no guarantee. Literally, don't know about the Transparent cables since they don't publish specs and the "mystery box" but, since the DAC is doing the driving, low capacitance is suggested.

Your Placette passive is a fine product. TALK WITH GUY HAMEL about the ACTIVE model. They rarely show up used.

The active also has no gain, but is designed to have 100% performance when the volume is turned down. This is where all passive preamps are not going to work as well.

Almost no one needs gain. There is plenty of volume in the system. The active is a great preamp. It is better than any I have heard. My system is DCS, Goldmund and this "moderately" priced ACTIVE PLACETTE preamp is as good as it gets. If you want flavored sound then look somewhere else. Enjoy

I hope you haven't sold your placette. It is only surpassed by the active model. I us it in a $100,000 Goldmund, DCS system. It is clear, dynamic etc. and if you don't like the sound you have probably you probably don't like some other piece(s) in you system. Enjoy, Peterh