Preamps, Whats the difference, Active & Passive ?

Since a passive device has NO amplification, there's no possibility for tonal GAIN, so tone controls could only be "cuts", not "bossts". As such a treble-cut control in a passive design is not without slight merit.
What's an "audio tern"?

hey sugar,
whats a "bossts"?

Ok, guys play "nicei" I never got out of the 4th grade; so as to not outdo my pops. It ain't Fathers Day yet, and he don't read; here.-- My spelling may be bad but my Grammar is well and feeling fine.--- From my limited understanding passive is fine; with the correct set up. Me?? I'm an "active-guy". Never tried or heard a passive set-up.

A passive preamp is basically only a switch for source, with an attenuator*. (a volume control*)
An active preamplifier has the above plus a amplification stage.
A few passive preamps have a hard time properly driving some amplifiers,,, seems the sound becomes "thin". This is due to a poor impedence match.
Active preamps almost never have this problem. An active preamp can, however, sound grainier if not well made.
My Acdom 700 has a switch to allow either type of use. I prefer the passive usually, but a few recordings sound better, (ie: fuller bodied) in active mode.
(My amp is a Forte' 4a)

So what are some examples of an active pre that will work well with dynamic rock and roll?

Keep it in mind that I am looking more at tube preamps.

Please look at my first thread entitled

Best used Red Book Player for Rock-N-Roll, before you answer.

Some people consider the Beach Boys or the Stones rock-n-roll.Ok, they are.I agree, but that just isn't what I listen to.