[Ulisse60]

Your experience with a passive preamp (various configurations from $2K to $8K USD) vs. EMM Labs ($50K USD) demonstrates that there are many other variables to consider beyond cost. Based on what you've written, you could probably "sacrifice" the additional $45K USD for an EMM Labs and be very happy with the Hathor. Imagine freeing up $45K to experiment with other components in your system. Geez, that's unimaginable for many of us.

I'm not surprised that power cords make a sonic difference with your passive preamp. Intuitively, it doesn't make sense, but the only thing that matters is that everything matters, and we don't need to know why.

Hello Hearly,


Actually, the Emm Labs preamp had a list price of $25,000 when it was first introduced. I don't know the American price, but I do know the European one. I bought it used, so it cost significantly less. However, I agree with you that the price difference is significant, while the sonic difference isn't that great!
I believe, however, that mine is a mature, well-assembled system that I've been working on for years, and the care and good interfacing of the whole thing also helps me do well by using good-quality, but not top-of-the-line, components. The fact remains that both the MFA, which is still quite expensive for a passive preamp, and the current Hattor, have made me appreciate a different approach to the presence of a preamp in an audio system. I consider it essential for numerous reasons, but with such a well-tuned source that outputs at a high voltage, and speakers with such generous and easy-to-drive parameters, a valid passive preamp is also a good choice.
Best regards, Dario

[Nick B]

Hello Nick

You have the top of the line, active and passive. I found the previous model used, a step lower. Mine has AMRT resistors, so I bought the package as it was available used.
When I was researching Arek's products, I also saw the Big model, which seemed very interesting. Now I'm enjoying mine and then we'll see if I can upgrade to the passive/active model!
It would be interesting to understand the differences between the two preamps, but I don't think anyone has been able to compare our models in the same audio system...

The fact that you use it in the active version probably changes the sound approach and its result in the audio system a little, I can tell you that a friend with a very fine-tuned audio system has a Norma Audio preamplifier, which has the possibility of working in active and passive, he much prefers the neutrality in passive, and I agree with him, when listening in active it gives it a sound signature, while in passive the result is more natural, and even the voices gain in clarity...

These considerations regarding active and passive preamps, or mixed preamps, are very interesting. I'll soon try to delve deeper into the comparison between Emm Labs and Hattor. The MFA preamp is no longer with me, but I have enough recent memories to be able to make some considerations regarding the three preamps.
Best regards, Dario

Hello Dario,

I tried passive mode on a few occasions and the sound just sounded "flat". Whether that is because my listening preferences simply prefer active mode, I don't know. But this is just a hobby and active mode does sound best in my system. I do use JPLAY  and HQ Player which has filters to adjust for room anomalies, but I just have never gotten around to using the microphone and software like that of REW. Beyond the issue of preference, I use the 6dB and 9dB settings to achieve the proper volume level in my 17 x 27 x 10 room. I have had some people suggest using a tube preamp and a solid state amp. But I'm hesitant to do that as I would prefer for the sound reproduction to be relatively neutral until it gets to my tube amp, which is an Erhard Elvis Mk II.

I will be following your posts about the EMM and Hattor.

Nick