Amp/Preamp Asylum: REVIEW: Placette Audio Passive Line Stage Passive Components by Awe-d-o-file

Model:	Passive Line Stage
Category:	Passive Components
Suggested Retail Price:	$1,595.00
Description:	3 input/2 output 125 step passive line stage w/remote
Manufacturer URL:	Placette Audio
Model Picture:	View

Review by Awe-d-o-file ( A ) on February 28, 2005 at 17:04:34
IP Address: 170.215.146.207

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for the Passive Line Stage

Well this is a simple review for me. I already own/reviewed Placettes RVC which is the same as this except with one RCA in/out. That product sounds identical to this as it has the same Vishay relay controlled resistor ladder. Older non-remote analog tube pre users should consider the RVC to add remote control to their setup.
I came to Placette after determining my CDP had so much output my tube preamp was just acting as an attenuator. If I only need an attenuator it should be a neutral/passive circuit. I had a nicely tweaked and modded CJ tube pre and really liked it. I was always a bit bothered by the noise floor although I of course did not hear it while playing any music. The CJ simply had 3-5X the gain I would ever need to get my amps to full output.On a whim I connected my CDP direct to my amp and was stunned at how nice it was. It already has a hefty tubed audio output.Inserting the Placette in between changed nothing related to sound quality or image etc-less is more! That is exactly what I wanted. With the full linestage I can connect three devices and change both volume(125 steps)and source. The unit is small and has no heat issues since it is passive.Another plus is not needing a power cord upgrade since the power supply is only for the volume/source indicator LED's and the relays that change the volume setting.
I hope people will try their components direct and see if they are candidates for a passive setup. Also Placette will answer emails and tell you if your components seem suitable for a passive setup. Mine were: high output voltage/low impedance CDP -sensative power amps with high input impedance. Everything got better going passive-image,HF detail and extension and even bass. The image and HF detail were the most dramatic imrovements and just what I wanted. And all those years of getting up to adjust the volume are over!!

Product Weakness: no tape loop*,only three inputs- neither is a concern for me.
*passives never have a tape loop.
Product Strengths: sound,size,price,neutrality,125 volume settings,no need for AC cord upgrade,two outputs nice since I bi-amp and the service from the company is excellent!

Associated Equipment for this Review:
Amplifier:	CJ MF-2500,MF-2100
Preamplifier (or None if Integrated):	Placette Passive Linestage
Sources (CDP/Turntable):	MF Trivista,TD-125/Rabco/Grado Master/new phono section on order
Speakers:	a few-Quad ESL 988,Polk SDA SRS 1.2TL,Magnepan MG-1
Cables/Interconnects:	Kimber,PS Audio
Music Used (Genre/Selections):	Many
Room Size (LxWxH):	shallow x long x 8'-12' cathedral
Room Comments/Treatments:	lots
Time Period/Length of Audition:	2 weeks
Other (Power Conditioner etc.):	PS Audio,Richard Gray
Type of Audition/Review:	Product Owner

Product Weakness:	no tape loop,only three inputs- neither is a concern for me. passives never have a tape loop.
Product Strengths:	sound,size,price,neutrality,125 volume settings,no need for AC cord upgrade,two outputs nice since I bi-amp and the service from the company is excellent!