Passive preamp for Tube Amp?

I agree the RVC is extremely fast, uncolored and transparent, but if you compare it Placette Active (I owned both) you will notice something was missing in the bass and midbass - the difference was very obvious to me and I would say my set-up is very "passive" friendly. The SB102 based TVC (S&B xfromers) I just got is also extremely transparent, quiet, etc, but I beleive it has significantly better bass than the RVC has and a touch of warmth, that most users will like very much IMHO. This does not mean the RVC is not excellent, it is, and you will be fine with it, but when you start comparing it with either the Active version or the good TVCs, I think you might make a different decision as to which you prefer.

I have yet to hear the Placette Active, although I would love to arrange an audition one day. As for the Placette Passive I find it works just fine for getting bass and midbass out of my vinyl through a Whest Phonostage.20 + MsU.20 phono preamplifier. But then again as I have said I have not yet heard what the Active version would do.

I am in a 30-day free trial using the Placette PVC with a Conrad Johnson MV60 tube amp. Sound is excellent, wonderful imaging. I am waiting for a CJ preamp to arrive so I can compare the two and make a decision during my trial period. With a 30-day trial, you have time to make comparisons in your home. If you buy the other preamps right, and decide to keep the Placette, resell them near the same price you paid.

Another excellent use for the RVC is to use it in line with your pre to give you 100s of volume level combinations, expecially when you have a stepped attenuator or a pre/amp combo with too much gain (e.g., CAT SL1) - a truly transparent device (which of course does not mean you enjoy listening to it as much as something else, even if not quite as transparent and uncolored).