A powered preamp adds very little to most high level inputs, like CD and such. Some phono pre-preamps require a powered pre to sound best. Many CD machines with a volume control do not need any preamp.
Preamps are from back in the day when all anyone had was a TT, a tuner, or a cassette machine. Then you wanted the preamp for it's phono section (which by its nature HAD to amplify the signal) for TONE controls and a balance control, and for tape selection. Most input signals to a preamp USED TO BE .25 volts.. and then the pre would out a bit more.. up to 2 volts. THEN.. everyone dumped the tones controls.. and as CD arose, most dumped the phono section. And since CD output was 2 volts.. (the usual "LOUDER IS BETTER" trick)the preamp stopped having to amplify anything.
So NOW, most preamps are glorified volume controls only. (though most still have a balance knob.. and a 'tape' in/out. and a selector switch.
So unless you want the preamp as a 'tone control', the preamp to be the crown jewel in your system, or need it for your particular phono section, then a passive is just as good or better.
I being an 'old fart-ess', still always use a preamp (my current items are a Adcom 750, and an Audio Research SP15)
Preamps are from back in the day when all anyone had was a TT, a tuner, or a cassette machine. Then you wanted the preamp for it's phono section (which by its nature HAD to amplify the signal) for TONE controls and a balance control, and for tape selection. Most input signals to a preamp USED TO BE .25 volts.. and then the pre would out a bit more.. up to 2 volts. THEN.. everyone dumped the tones controls.. and as CD arose, most dumped the phono section. And since CD output was 2 volts.. (the usual "LOUDER IS BETTER" trick)the preamp stopped having to amplify anything.
So NOW, most preamps are glorified volume controls only. (though most still have a balance knob.. and a 'tape' in/out. and a selector switch.
So unless you want the preamp as a 'tone control', the preamp to be the crown jewel in your system, or need it for your particular phono section, then a passive is just as good or better.
I being an 'old fart-ess', still always use a preamp (my current items are a Adcom 750, and an Audio Research SP15)