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I've gone back to active

I used a passive preamp for years, starting around 1988. I didn't switch to an active for almost ten years, but there is no way I would use a passive again. The biggest advantage of a passive is low cost. I built mine out of (what were then) the highest quality parts for less than $100.

Compared to many active preamps (especially solid-state), a passive is the way to go. There are so many active preamps that add grain, glare, and grunge, which are all no-nos for me. Most passives don't, and that is a huge advantage. (In general, the sins of a passive are of omission.)

On the other hand a top-quality active preamp will give a bigger soundstage, more space around each instrument, more drive and pace, and more low-end authority. And a top-quality active gives up nothing to a top-quality passive (except for price).

So if you are on a budget and don't mind the limitations of a passive, they are a great way to go. But for the very best performance (and flexibility, such as the ability to convert single-ended to balanced) an active is the way to go.

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