Passive pre-amps ??

[rigger67]

I currently use a NAD pre-amp in my system and am wondering whether I'd get a better sound from a passive pre-amp with a phono stage attached.

I don't know much about passives - aren't they supposed to be completely flat ?
Surely that's a good thing, isn't it ?


I would need one with three inputs - one for my DAC, one for my DAB tuner and the other for the turntable.

Current system :
Linn Sondek LP12, Ittok, P77
NAD 1000 pre-amp
2 x Meridian 205 monoblock power amps
Sony CDP-XE520 CD Player
SMSL Sanskrit DAC
Teac T-R650 DAB tuner
Proac Tablette II speakers

I'd be looking to sell the NAD if I did go down this route and would have a budget around £200-300 I guess.

Any advice please ?

[Arkless Electronics]

Yes it would be a big improvement and with no down side to it. You will shortly have other replies saying this is wrong and passives "suck the life out of the music"... I 100% disagree with this! A debate will then ensue which will leave you more confused than when you started....

[Macca]

What Jez says

I'd ask him to knock you one up for the budget. Or alternatively I'd recommend the NVA P50 (even though I'm on their blacklist ) on 30 day trial, don't like it then just send it back.

Whatever, providing there is no issue matching to your power amps I think you will get a fair improvement.

[Marco]

No, GOOD passives (in the right system) most certainly do not suck the life out of the music.

Paul, you may find this thread a useful read: http://theartofsound.net/forum/showt...se-Passive-pre

Marco.

[rigger67]

Fantastic.

Thanks for the advice (and humour !)

[Arkless Electronics]

What Jez says

I'd ask him to knock you one up for the budget. Or alternatively I'd recommend the NVA P50 (even though I'm on their blacklist ) on 30 day trial, don't like it then just send it back.

Whatever, providing there is no issue matching to your power amps I think you will get a fair improvement.

I don't make passive pre's Martin but thanks for the recommendation I would go for a khozmo one myself.... I do of course make phono stages though!

[Haselsh1]

Look Man, I currently use a USA made Samson Servo 600 power amplifier that has left/right gain controls and I decided to use that with my Croft Micro 25 Basic. Result...? Bloody awful. Gain controls set to max, volume controlled by the Croft. Bloody awful. Yes I know that the Croft is not passive but in my eyes it proves a point. Match the bugger very caerphilly.

[Floyddroid]

I feel a bit like Harry Hill here as i don't have the technical expertise to comment in an informed manner. However, i have heard numerous passive pre-amps the best being the Long Dog Audio designed units and enjoyed the natural timbre of acoustic instruments and voice. However, the Spinal Tap in me has me returning to the authority of active fully leaded pre-amps. Horses for courses methinks. I often wonder why many of the best passive pre amps are so expensive though? One less thing to plug into the mains can's be a bad thing tough.

[Floyddroid]

Does this go for all Welch amplifiers like?

Look Man, I currently use a USA made Samson Servo 600 power amplifier that has left/right gain controls and I decided to use that with my Croft Micro 25 Basic. Result...? Bloody awful. Gain controls set to max, volume controlled by the Croft. Bloody awful. Yes I know that the Croft is not passive but in my eyes it proves a point. Match the bugger very caerphilly.

[mad-moon]

sounds a bit cheesey to me...