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REVIEW: Placette Audio 3 Input Passive Preamplifier (SS) Review by thegage at Audio Asylum

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Features:
The best description of this product's features can be found at Placette's website.

Background:
I'd been through a number of preamps over the years, including among others Heathkit (way back when it was still the original Heathkit), early NAD, Audible Illusions, Aragon, and Audio Research. I seemed to have bounced back and forth regularly between tube and solid state, preferring each for its strengths. Simplicity of design and signal path was also a goal in my choices.

I'd looked at passives as a potential way to be as simple as possible, trying out Acurus and Creek passives for extended periods. But while I was always enthralled by their ability to basically get out of the way of the music, I ultimately found them disappointing: transients and "drive" were significantly affected--even with short interconnects and amps with high input sensitivity--the frequency extremes seemed rolled off, and, paradoxically, even though music seemed clearer, at the same time it also seemed "veiled".

Still, when I decided it was time to replace my AR LS-7 (I wanted remote control), I stumbled across the Placette Audio website, read about their products, and decided to try one. I chose the three input passive volume control since I have CD, vinyl, and radio.

In use:
Out of the box the Placette impressed me with a number of things. First, extension. There seemed no loss at either frequency extreme. Second, its clarity. Talk about removing veils. Not harsh, just a sense that I was getting exactly what was coming from the source. If the source had great soundstage and depth, it was there; if not, it wasn't. Third, the way it tracked balance as the volume was raised or lowered. I can only describe it as uncanny: there was/is no wavering of image as volume is changed. I'm addicted to this aspect now, and whenever I listen to a "regular" volume control its balance tracking ability (or lack of) jumps out at me. (A confession: while I loved the AI performance, I absolutely hated its dual volume control. No such problem now.)

Weaknesses? It's still just a tad lacking in rhythmic drive and transient attack. Although all the information is there, low bass can seem sluggish, drum hits lack some snap, as do cymbal strikes. It's really only noticeable on material such as rock or big orchestral pieces. As noted below, I've used this with a number of amp/cable combinations with the same results, so it seems to me just the nature of the beast.

I bought a Source Components Harmonic Recovery System, to ameliorate this, which it has done admirably without seeming to degrade the Placette's performance, except at low volume levels. Let me explain: Since the Placette tends to get used with amps with high input sensitivity, it can lack enough volume steps lower down. Since the HRS adds 2.7 dB of gain, this has exacerbated the problem. My Placette had the latest upgrade with two additional steps down low, but I think it could still use more for lower volume control. The HRS spends equal time in and out of the sytem, depending on my mood. For $1700 I've got a dual personality pre-amp that bests anything I've ever used.

The Placette has two pre-outs, which has allowed me to do a version of bi-amping speakers, using a nice-sounding low power amp on the mid/high, and an NHT subwoofer amp on the woofers. I haven't noticed any impedance matching problems causing wierd frequency effects.

Above all, the Placette allows me to really see the effects of changing components. I never get the feeling that it's adding or subtracting anything--which is also a problem if your other gear isn't up to the same level.

I'm using a tube amp now, with no desire to change back to a tube preamp. Then again, maybe I could get a Foreplay preamp kit, but wire the Placette in as the volume control, then I wouldn't need the HRS.... In any case, the Placette isn't leaving anytime soon: Guy at Placette Audio says that this product gets better over the years as the resistors break in. After seven months mine has improved in every aspect. I can't wait to hear what it's like in seven years!

John K.


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Topic - REVIEW: Placette Audio 3 Input Passive Preamplifier (SS) Review by thegage at Audio Asylum - thegage 19:38:54 05/9/00 ( 2)