rasavage4 Posted June 14, 2005 Share Posted June 14, 2005 I'm seeking sagelike advice on what the difference would be between an active and passive preamplifier. I have just a basic HT setup, but I'm wanting to learn more about tubes. Thanks for your help. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dragonfyr Posted June 14, 2005 Share Posted June 14, 2005 Help me out here...a passive preamp? Perhaps you are referring to a preamp without tone controls? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Audio Flynn Posted June 14, 2005 Share Posted June 14, 2005 Passive does not increase the input signal it just moderates it. Active has the ability to increase the output voltage of the source component. Someone else can add details who is more techie. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dragonfyr Posted June 14, 2005 Share Posted June 14, 2005 I was just curious if you genuinely meant a truly passive preamp. Sounds like a set-like debate in the making to me. I'm out of this one! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rasavage4 Posted June 14, 2005 Author Share Posted June 14, 2005 I was thinking about experimenting with my ipod (using the lossless transfer to avoid data compression) and found this site: http://psiberaudio.com/catalogue.htm But realized I was in over my head. It just so happens though that even if I don't hookup my ipod to my receiver that I could use a new preamp for my TT anyways since the one I got is kinda crappy. So any help anyone could offer would be much appreciated. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Speedball Posted June 14, 2005 Share Posted June 14, 2005 Good question, I was wondering the same thing the other day. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
scriven Posted June 15, 2005 Share Posted June 15, 2005 Passive preamps are essentially program selectors with a volume control. The idea is that if you are not running anything but line level inputs, no TT, tape deck heads or mics, why pay for the amplifier you don't need? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
scriven Posted June 15, 2005 Share Posted June 15, 2005 ---------------- On 6/14/2005 11:08:28 PM rasavage4 wrote: ... It just so happens though that even if I don't hookup my ipod to my receiver that I could use a new preamp for my TT anyways since the one I got is kinda crappy... ---------------- If you want to run a TT you need a real preamp the passive stuff will not work. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Speedball Posted June 24, 2005 Share Posted June 24, 2005 So would the Peach or Merlin be passive? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
scotbuck Posted June 24, 2005 Share Posted June 24, 2005 Greetings, You can check 'em out for yourself -- cheap -- at: http://www.audioreplay.net/tc754pp.html I use this when I hook up my SI tripath amp. It's got three passive line inputs *and* a built-in phono stage. For under $80 shipped, it's a pretty easy audition -- although you won't get the premium quality volume control which is generally considered essential for a "real" passive preamp. Of course, the "real" ones cost a lot more! I would recommend a better interconnect that the one that comes with the unit, however... Hope this helps... Take care, Scott Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mallette Posted June 24, 2005 Share Posted June 24, 2005 From the original post, a bit difficult to figure an answer. One MUST assume the "HT" setup has a preamp since it would be a bit difficult to handle surround passively, except with Hafler. So...the issue is: Are all the inputs you wish to amplify at line level? If so, then passive is fine since all you need is volume control. If your power amp has that, you don't even need passive... Dave Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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