WTB: the best passive preamp there is.

woodsyi · « **on:** 27 Oct 2008, 05:51 pm »

To play vinyl through my new phono-stage I have 60 tubes in the chain: 8 tubes in phono stage power supply, 16 in the phono stage, 14 in the active crossover, and 22 in the power amps. I am thinking my tube preamps are too much of a good thing.

I want to try a passive preamp. Any recommendation for a really good one? I need about 5 inputs.

Folsom · « **Reply #1 on:** 27 Oct 2008, 08:12 pm »

Easy to make.... One/two switches and a bunch of RCA's, tiny bit of soldering.

Sonny · « **Reply #2 on:** 27 Oct 2008, 08:18 pm »

I have a BENT AUDIO Tap, the new one with the autoformer, and I can vouch that it's the most detailed, dynamic, transparant and holographic preamp I've had....

lonewolfny42 · « **Reply #3 on:** 27 Oct 2008, 08:45 pm »

Quote from: Sonny on 27 Oct 2008, 08:18 pm

I have a BENT AUDIO Tap, the new one with the autoformer, and I can vouch that it's the most detailed, dynamic, transparant and holographic preamp I've had....

I'd agree....one of the best !!!

CSI · « **Reply #4 on:** 27 Oct 2008, 08:53 pm »

PLC.1 by Channel Islands Audio. Easily the most neutral passive I've ever tried. Has remote control and 5 inputs (one marked "Tape" and one re-configurable to Home Theater Bypass if you need it).

woodsyi · « **Reply #5 on:** 27 Oct 2008, 09:34 pm »

Thanks for the link Chris.

The price was too good to pass up. I talked to Mike and bought the unit. And it's black.

http://www.tweekgeek.com/_e/Trade_Ins_Demo_Clearance/product/BentTapX/Bent_Audio_Tap_x_modified_by_Bolder.htm

Kevin Haskins · « **Reply #6 on:** 27 Oct 2008, 09:46 pm »

Good snag, the Bent is the best passive I've heard by a long shot.

soundbitten1 · « **Reply #7 on:** 27 Oct 2008, 09:48 pm »

So you're saying " Get Bent " ?

lonewolfny42 · « **Reply #8 on:** 27 Oct 2008, 09:49 pm »

Enjoy the Bent Rim....and let us know how it works out...

MGDeWulf · « **Reply #9 on:** 27 Oct 2008, 10:06 pm »

I have a lot of experience with the Sonic Euphoria PLC. The quality is in the auto-formers. Did a direct A/B against a CTC Blowtorch and preferred the PLC.

Bent also has an auto-former based passive that should be every bit as good as the PLC, maybe better. A good company to deal with.

I would stay away from the "pot in a box" passives. Don't have the dynamics of the auto-formers.

Marty

Scottdazzle · « **Reply #10 on:** 27 Oct 2008, 10:11 pm »

Way to go Rim! Looks like you got a great deal. Let us know what you think after you listen.

TomW16 · « **Reply #11 on:** 27 Oct 2008, 10:31 pm »

You beat me to it woodsyi as I was considering that unit too. I'd love to hear your impressions and if it doesn't work out in your system, let me know

Good snag!

Tom

bummrush · « **Reply #12 on:** 27 Oct 2008, 10:46 pm »

Tweek Geek has nice stuff every once in a while like that pre,sweet price on it also.

Sonny · « **Reply #13 on:** 27 Oct 2008, 10:52 pm »

Could i asked if this is the new autoformer version and what was the price???

golfugh · « **Reply #14 on:** 27 Oct 2008, 10:58 pm »

Nice buy!

ted_b · « **Reply #15 on:** 27 Oct 2008, 10:59 pm »

It's the Wayne modded unit with the tube buffer included, upgraded PS and a Vishay attenuator.

Mike wanted $1099 but maybe Woodsyi talked him lower?

Sonny · « **Reply #16 on:** 27 Oct 2008, 11:07 pm »

Quote from: ted_b on 27 Oct 2008, 10:59 pm

It's the Wayne modded unit with the tube buffer included, upgraded PS and a Vishay attenuator. Mike wanted $1099 but maybe Woodsyi talked him lower?

that's a steal!
Let us know how it sounds!!!

ted_b · « **Reply #17 on:** 27 Oct 2008, 11:52 pm »

Yes, that's the steal of the year so far. Only two months left. Woodsyi you've all but got it locked up!

woodsyi · « **Reply #18 on:** 28 Oct 2008, 02:07 am »

Quote from: ted_b on 27 Oct 2008, 11:52 pm

Yes, that's the steal of the year so far. Only two months left. Woodsyi you've all but got it locked up!

I don't know about that but I will say that I didn't ask for any futher discount.

I just asked questions about the number of inputs and its history. Then I paid "full" price including one whopper of a shipping charge around $12.

P.S. Speaking of steals, weren't these 6k new? http://www.tweekgeek.com/_e/Trade_Ins_Demo_Clearance/product/DemoS9/Demo_Nuforce_S_9_ready_for_bi_amping.htm
Even without the passive filter network (which I read did not use the best parts) $899 seems too low. Just the Bubinga option was 1k.

richidoo · « **Reply #19 on:** 28 Oct 2008, 02:58 am »

Congrats Rim, nice choice. I'm thinking about getting one also, looking fwd to your impressions. 60 tubes - wow! That is a record in my book.
Rich