Passive Preamps

[mep]

Is a passive preamp the audio equivalent of non-alcoholic beer? You know, it sort of tastes like beer but you know something funny is going on.

 

[rce]

I am currently using the well regarded (at least in Europe) Yamaha YPC-1 passive attenuator. Sounds very transparent in my system. Anyone had any experiance with the YPC-1 and passive versus active in general?

 

[Tjaderman]

To me it seems like it's applicable to all amps. See the thread:
http://www.diyaudio.com/forums/analog-line-level/80194-lightspeed-attenuator-new-passive-preamp.html

Thanks!

 

[opnly bafld]

http://www.thehornshoppe.com/the_truth_pre_amp.html

 

[Tjaderman]

Just exactly the opposite of course.

Tom

Even better!!

 

[egidius]

Sources are designed for active pre-amps. Most if not all lack the drive to handle the load that these pre-amps put on them. The dynamics suffer the most and distortion increases.

Well I don't know; my Wadia S7i is designed for direct connection; whilst I am not going into the ongoing and neverending discussion about preamp or no preamp, I can definitely say, that putting the Audio Consulting Silver Rock TVC is the best solution for me yet; comparisons are Berning ZOTL Pre, Audiopax Model 5 or an Accuphase 2400. FWIW

 

[Tom1356]

I have been using a S&B silver wire transformer based preamp for five years now.
I would adjust all the other components in the system to keep the passive pre.

 

[Loco57]

Many years ago now I purchased a Rotel Michi Series RHC10 passive preamp that I still have packed up never really used it, beautifully made and quite expensive at the time maybe I should reserect it and see just what the appeal was back then, found this information link http://www.thevintageknob.org/rotel-RHC-10.html has some interesting technical information.

 

[JackD201]

We have a passive preamp on our product line up although I haven't seen it in the flesh much less heard it. The cute thing is that it is powered but just for the leds and remote control operation.

I call it the Passive for Passives

 

[flez007]

Which preamp is that Jack? - I tried my Accuphase DAC directly to the ML 333 and liking it!

 

[JackD201]

Hi Flez,

It's this one

http://www.townshendaudio.com/revie...bury Pre 1 vol5 no 3 HIFICritic Hi Res.pdf

We also got an email from Max that he's developed another one at a more reasonable price (~1,900GBP vs ~9,000GBP for the Glastonbury) sans bells and whistles. It's called the Allegri. It should be on the website in a week or two.

 

[flez007]

Looks awesome Jack! PM on its way!

 

[Orb]

Hi Flez,

It's this one

http://www.townshendaudio.com/revie...bury Pre 1 vol5 no 3 HIFICritic Hi Res.pdf

We also got an email from Max that he's developed another one at a more reasonable price (~1,900GBP vs ~9,000GBP for the Glastonbury) sans bells and whistles. It's called the Allegri. It should be on the website in a week or two.

The Glastongury has had some great reviews here in UK, well respected preamp.
Have you managed to compare it to Musical First reference passive preamp?
That is also well received here in UK.
Still, I doubt you will change from the Glastonbury as I read it is meant to be that good

Cheers
Orb

 

[egidius]

Hi Flez,

It's this one

http://www.townshendaudio.com/revie...bury Pre 1 vol5 no 3 HIFICritic Hi Res.pdf

We also got an email from Max that he's developed another one at a more reasonable price (~1,900GBP vs ~9,000GBP for the Glastonbury) sans bells and whistles. It's called the Allegri. It should be on the website in a week or two.

I read that link, thanks - I own an Audio Consulting silver rock and can't help wondering who thought of it first, even though I own a Rock TT ;-)
what's your take on that?
e

 

[microstrip]

Stereophile review of a similarly transformer based volume control, the Ypsilon PST-100 Mk.II line preamplifier was also impressive. But the price was also impressive!

http://www.stereophile.com/content/ypsilon-pst-100-mkii-line-preamplifier

 

[egidius]

price hurrah!

Stereophile review of a similarly transformer based volume control, the Ypsilon PST-100 Mk.II line preamplifier was also impressive. But the price was also impressive!

http://www.stereophile.com/content/ypsilon-pst-100-mkii-line-preamplifier

..well so is this:

http://www.audio-consulting.ch/?Products:Preamlifier:Silver_Rock_TVC

I think they have all no recession going on, or what?
e

 

[JackD201]

The Glastonbury Pre is in our lineup but we haven't ordered it or it's upcoming little brother the Allegri yet. I run two sets of 12m interconnects so I'm a bit apprehensive about using passives. I rotate between the Lamm L2 Reference and a Valvet Soulshine with a prototype all SS power supply or the usual VUPPS solid state/tube rectified selectable PS.

I got the Rock 7 recently it is one heck of a table for the price. Less expansive stage than the TW but it makes up for that with loads of midrange density. The strike I have against the Excalibur tonearm is that the tapered headshell won't accept round bodied cartridges. Fit and finish could also be better. I wonder how much better the older cost no object Rocks like the 3 and 5 might be when compared.

I haven't heard the Musical Reference yet either and just learned about the Audio Consulting and Ypsilon from you guys, right here on this thread