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

Model:	RVC
Category:	Passive Components
Suggested Retail Price:	$1000
Description:	Passive Preamp 1 in/ 1 out- with IR remote volume
Manufacturer URL:	Placette Audio
Model Picture:	View

Review by Awe-d-o-file ( A ) on October 12, 2004 at 08:48:35
IP Address: 170.215.156.94

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for the RVC

A few weeks ago I commented on removing my tubed line stage to repair/upgrade its power supply as there was a slight hum. I took the opportunity to connect my CDP direct to my amp and was stunned! I needed to reburn CD's @-10db so as not to overdrive my power amp and at that point I determined I was a great candidate for a passive preamp.
As I researched and posted here in AA I learned there were a few units that looked promising and had remote control and decided to try the Placette instead of transformered/autoformered units by Bent and Sonic Euphoria. Part of that was price and the fear that those transformers may color/alter the sound that I fell in love with when my CDP was connected direct. I was impressed to find that Placette offers a 30 day trial in home but I still elected to buy a used unit from Audiogon the save over $350. A bit of a gamble but I knew I needed to save the $-I'm unemployed now. A found a great seller who communicated well and had good feedback.
Well, connecting the unit was a breeze of course and I had two of the same Kimber KCTG interconnects to use for my audition. I thought it was important to have two identical interconnects to use to compare the sound as it was direct. Well I am pleased to report it is as if it is not there. Completely transparant. I am extremely happy with the unit and very glad to be a convert to passive. As I said before the differences are stunning. No line stage I ever tried sounded as good as this passive setup. I had an older heavily modded CJ pre but had tried their PV-14 and Premier 16LS MKII. I had used the YBA 1, my friends Audio Research Reference 1 and an Audible Illusions Mod3. None of these fine units gave me the top end texture and clarity as this setup. None of them imaged as well. I am still stunned in many ways but very grateful to have the CDP that has an audio section with the balls to be used passive. http://www.musicalfidelity.com/mf/en/Products/TriVista/TVSACD
Many people do not in my opinion. Also the CJ power amps 100K input impedance is well suited for such a scenario. In fact with the Placette I am nearing my amplifiers full output with the RVC turned only to its halfway point on most recordings! Now I need a phono stage to replace what was in my old line stage. I had used CJ products before with relay/resistor attenuators instead of a pot and I am very pleased with how the Placette adjusts and so on. I here no noise from the relays when changing volume. I advise everyone who has a scenario that allows for a passive to try it. It seems less is more at times as they say.
ET

Product Weakness: only one in/out but they make a 3 in 2 out also so this really doesn't count-I was just being thrifty
Product Strengths: Transparency,price,Placettes audition policy,remote control

Associated Equipment for this Review:
Amplifier:	Conrad Johnson MF-2500
Preamplifier (or None if Integrated):	Placette RVC
Sources (CDP/Turntable):	Musical Fidelity Trivista
Speakers:	Quad 988, Polk SDA SRS 1.2TL
Cables/Interconnects:	Kimber KCTG
Music Used (Genre/Selections):	Several
Room Size (LxWxH):	16 x 28 x 8-12
Room Comments/Treatments:	several areas treated
Time Period/Length of Audition:	Audition was 2 hours
Other (Power Conditioner etc.):	PS Audio P300
Type of Audition/Review:	Product Owner

Product Weakness:	only one in/out but they make a 3 in 2 out also so this really doesn't count-I was just being thrifty
Product Strengths:	Transparency,price,Placettes audition policy,remote control