[5ilver5urfer]

The QED MA34 is a no compromise passive pre-amp offering the ultimate in signal path optimization. It features a very high quality close tolerance ALPS "blue box" potentiometer and a self cleaning input switch.

• Allows any 2 line level sources (CD player, tuner, etc.) to be connected directly to a power amplifier
  • Pro-grade close tolerance potentiometer
  • Self cleaning nickel silver switch contacts
  • Independent earth wiring
  • Gold plated phono sockets
  • Size (mm): 110 (w) x 55 (h) x 120 (d)

From hi-fi-insight.com:
http://www.hi-fi-insight.com/qed-ma-34-passive-pre-amp.html

“I have always been a big believer wherever possible in keeping things simple which is exactly what the QED MA-34 does.

Almost all active pre-amps, apart from the very best, add some colouration due to their design. The QED is passive (no power), it has four sets of gold plated phono sockets at the rear (one set are not used ?), a high quality switch with silver plated contacts, and a high quality Alps blue potentiometer to adjust the volume level - and that’s it. The dimensions of the box are 10cm x 11cm so all signal paths are kept to minimum. There are those who argue that the high impedance of passive pre-amps makes them unsuitable and that active is best. Well all I say is listen and make your own mind up.

So how does it sound? In truth it does not really sound at all - that's the beauty of it, it is almost totally transparent and thus allows the power amp being used to produce more detail and depth that would previously been muddled or lost by the pre-amp section.”