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Passive Preamp for Atmaspheres?

Is anyone running a passive preamp with atmaspheres? I'm about to purchase an Atma s-30 and am trying to decide what preamp to purchase. My original plan was a good affordable preamp such as the Eastern Electric minimax or Juicymusic Merlin.

The rest of my system consists of an Arcam DV88p which I use for redbook cd playback, and Soliloquy 8.2s speakers, which are about 91db with 7.2 ohms minimum impedance. My listening room is relatively small at around 11 by 13 although it opens into a small dining area and kitchen which is separated by a 4 ft. high wall. I am currently using 18w/ch integrated monoblocks and generally play them at about 1 o'clock on the volume dial, so I don't think I need much power at all.

Any recommendations for passive preamps or am I still better off with an active pre?
mpignone
trelja
3,215 posts
 
I use the Scott Endler attenuators with my M60s, when I'm using a fixed output CD player.

If your run isn't too long, and your only source is the Arcam, you may well want to try these as well. Even if you decide to use additional sources, such as a tuner, I still think a passive preamp can be a good way to go. When I use the variable output tube section of my CDP, I don't use the attenuators at all.

You do gain a little by going into the Atmas via a balanced cable in terms of a lower noise floor. So, regardless of whether you go with an active or passive preamp, or direct, having XLR connectors on one end of the cable allows you to take advantage of that.

In my experience, I have not tried the AtmaSphere preamps (maybe I should?), but none of the other highly regarded units I tried ever came close to not having a preamp in the system. Worst of all is when a preamp imposes its signature so strongly that much of the OTL magic in the Atmas was hidden to a great degree.
philjolet's avatar
philjolet
2,262 posts
 
maybe buy a Quad or similar CD player with volume control and save on cables and pre amp etc...
mpignone OP
11 posts
 
I hadn't heard about those Scott Endler attenuators. I was considering the more expensive, nude ultimate attenuators, but The Endler's seem to get great reviews and at $160/pr. I just about have to try them out.

All responses greatly appreciated. After I receive the new gear, I'll report back with some results.
brooks
55 posts
 
I don't think you will find an active preamp in your price range that will come close to the nuetrality of a passive. You should check out transformer attenuators (autoformers). In my experience they are more natural than resistor attenuators. See intact audio (http://www.intactaudio.com/)for some very good sounding uniys at reasonable prices.

Steve
mpignone OP
11 posts
 
I received my Endler Attenuators in the mail yesterday, and am awaiting the arrival of my Atma S-30 next week (the wait is killing me!). My question is, do I need anything other than my standard RCA interconnects? It appears that the attenuators mates directly to the amp, and the RCA plugs into the attenuators, is that correct?

Marco
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