I am going to do a series of reviews on passive linestages. I know some companies
market them as "preamps" but since there is NO amplification stage, i feel that is a bit
off the mark.
First, there was a thread started a few years back here..but I decided to start a new one
to go with a clean slate.
http://www.whatsbestforum.com/showthread.php?284-Passive-Preamps&p=2244&viewfull=1#post2244
I plan on exploring the premise that a passive linestage/attenuator offers the following benefits:
-one less gain stage
-one less power supply
-fewer parts
-less noise
The other factor is most source components have more than enough gain/voltage to drive most
power amps. Exceptions apply of course.
There are basically two types of passives:
TVC (Transformer Volume Control/Autoformer etc) and potentiometer types.
TVC types are considered superior due to impedance matching between source and amp, higher
transparency, and more precision. The big disadvantage is cost.
Potentiometer types can be excellent as well, and they cost a lot less to make.
So far I have the following units lined up:
-Music First Classic V2
http://www.mfaudio.co.uk/classic.htm
-CIA PLC
http://www.ciaudio.com/products/PLC1MKII
-Luminous Audio Axiom II:
http://luminousaudio.com/axiom2.html
-Dan Meinwald of E.A.R. USA is going to try to get me a Townshend Allegri:
http://www.townshendaudio.com/allegri/
All comments and input welcome!
market them as "preamps" but since there is NO amplification stage, i feel that is a bit
off the mark.
First, there was a thread started a few years back here..but I decided to start a new one
to go with a clean slate.
http://www.whatsbestforum.com/showthread.php?284-Passive-Preamps&p=2244&viewfull=1#post2244
I plan on exploring the premise that a passive linestage/attenuator offers the following benefits:
-one less gain stage
-one less power supply
-fewer parts
-less noise
The other factor is most source components have more than enough gain/voltage to drive most
power amps. Exceptions apply of course.
There are basically two types of passives:
TVC (Transformer Volume Control/Autoformer etc) and potentiometer types.
TVC types are considered superior due to impedance matching between source and amp, higher
transparency, and more precision. The big disadvantage is cost.
Potentiometer types can be excellent as well, and they cost a lot less to make.
So far I have the following units lined up:
-Music First Classic V2
http://www.mfaudio.co.uk/classic.htm
-CIA PLC
http://www.ciaudio.com/products/PLC1MKII
-Luminous Audio Axiom II:
http://luminousaudio.com/axiom2.html
-Dan Meinwald of E.A.R. USA is going to try to get me a Townshend Allegri:
http://www.townshendaudio.com/allegri/
All comments and input welcome!