Can someone find me a good article on the difference between standard pre-amps, passive pre-amps and linestage amps? I think I understand it, but am not quite sure either.
Thank you so much!
Thank you so much!
Differences between various pre-amps?
- Thread starter Johnny Vinyl
- Start date
I can't recall an article off the top of my head, but here's a very brief synopsis:
Historically, a standard preamp was an active one that included a phono stage too. In this instance, active means that it contains one or more powered amplifying devices (tubes, transistors, etc.).
A passive preamp is essentially just an input selector and an attenuator. You can't make something louder with it, only quieter, so the sources must have enough umph to drive your power amps.
A line stage is a preamp (passive or active) without a built-in phono stage, which is probably most of them these days. Almost by definition, most (all?) passive preamps are line stages.
Hope this helps!
Historically, a standard preamp was an active one that included a phono stage too. In this instance, active means that it contains one or more powered amplifying devices (tubes, transistors, etc.).
A passive preamp is essentially just an input selector and an attenuator. You can't make something louder with it, only quieter, so the sources must have enough umph to drive your power amps.
A line stage is a preamp (passive or active) without a built-in phono stage, which is probably most of them these days. Almost by definition, most (all?) passive preamps are line stages.
Hope this helps!
Linestages can also have both passive and active as the Ensemble line stage.
Problem with the passive devices as I understand it, is that frequency response changes as a function of the volume setting
Linestages can also have both passive and active as the Ensemble line stage.
Problem with the passive devices as I understand it, is that frequency response changes as a function of the volume setting
Unless the passive device has a too high resistance or the connecting cables have too high capacitance, the changes in the audible frequency response will be minimal in typical use. A properly matched passive in a appropriate system is difficult to criticize in terms of signal to noise ratio, distortion or FR.
But most of us prefer the sound with an active device!
Linestages can also have both passive and active as the Ensemble line stage.
Problem with the passive devices as I understand it, is that frequency response changes as a function of the volume setting
To solve the problem, you can use a buffered passive preamp. The buffer is still an active circuit using tubes or transistors, but it has no voltage gain - it only interposes itself to make a low impedance into a high impedance, or vice versa.
The First Watt B1 Buffer Preamp can be bought assembled or you can get the DIY plans.
Some of you may remember Aunt Corey'sHomemade BufferedPassivePreamplifier plans published in Stereophile back in 1995.
John, seriously, you still have the Pioneer integrated amp right? If you decide to get into the separates, you really need a full function preamp meaning one that has a phono stage built in unless you decide to break out the separates into one more piece and buy a separate phono stage. If you are on a tight budget, I can’t recommend the Yamaha C2a high enough if you can find one. The line stage sounds really, really good and the phono stage sounds better than the ARC PH-3SE that I owned. It can handle low output MC cartridges and it’s quiet. I can’t see me ever selling mine because what they bring is nowhere near what they are worth in terms of their sound quality.
Many times I have read that preamps are the heart of a stereo system and I agree with that analogy. So if you have a stereo system with no heart, than you have managed to stitch together a Frankenstein stereo system that has no soul. If that happens to be your cup of tea, so be it. And if you are into vinyl and low output MC cartridges, a passive preamp simply won’t work for you. If you only listen to digits, it could just be dandy for you. Passive preamps aren’t for everyone, and I fall into that camp.
I'll have to keep an eye out for that Yamaha C2a. I love vintage gear, and it also suits my budget better. The Pioneer IA has been a wonderfully reliable performer for me, and I have every intention of keeping it.
Do I have these assumptions correct:
Passive Pre-amp: No tubes, no transisters. Only has source selection and volume attenuator?
Linestage pre-amp: Tubes or transisters. No built-in phono amp?
Standard pre-amp: Tubes or transistors WITH built-in phono amp?
I have a feeling I'm slightly off, so I welcome your input.
BTW: I prefer my steak rare to medium-rare!
You got it (modulo the hybrid models mentioned above)!
Sweet!
How does one make the choice between a Passive unit and a Linestage?
Simple, listen for dynamics
I've yet to hear a passive that could reproduce dynamics like a real linestage Passive attenuators have to me been one of those products that sounds "perfect" in theory but less than perfect in reality.
Simple, listen for dynamics
Thanks Myles!
I think I might finally be in a position for some upgrades in 2012 and looking at preamps is a definite consideration. I will do some auditioning over time, but will most likely go with a Linestage and seperate phonostage should I go the route of complete seperates.
You have to check carefully, as sometimes the buffer is just a typical amplifier circuit with unity gain (x1) and to get this low value gain uses plenty of negative feedback. Otherwise, it can be a FET follower or a cathode follower - I think it is what you are addressing.
Sorry to disappoint you, I am a meat eater, and I love TVC - and guess what: battery driven power amps
(my wife used to be a vegetarian, if that helps your statistics?)
(my wife used to be a vegetarian, if that helps your statistics?)
I read a survey somewhere that 99% of audiophiles that owned passive preamps were also vegetarians. Apparently they don’t like any meat on the bones of their music either.
It was a joke egidius, but I'm sure you knew that. However, in terms of lacking any punch, battery driven preamps are second in line behind passive preamps. Being passive in life normally means you will take an ass-beating at some point. I am of the opinion that preamps with gain kick ass over preamps with no gain or battery-powered preamps. But hey, that's just one man's opinion. And remember, the meek shall inherit the earth, it will just be when everyone else is finished with it.
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I'll just say I am squarely in the active camp and some say tube preamps can't produce a good low end, that is rubbish. When shopping preamps, I would always listen for clarity and dynamics. I used a active SS preamp for years and still do,but only in a unconventional way. A good active preamp can be magical as the added headroom can really open the music up. Maybe head room is the wrong term but most recordings have a sweet spot and a good active preamp can allow you to get the most out of the recording.
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