Unity gain with tube buffer?

It just seems to me (complete electornic laymen) that if passives are better than actives in those areas where they are better, that a passive with buffer (Placette Active for example)would be better than active in those areas as well -especially if the buffer is battery powered (less distortion with no gain stage circuitry, and great S/N being off the grid). Ralph's argument for the active seem to be generally based on the ability to control and drive the interconnect - I'm not sure why this buffered approach would serve that purpose without the need for gain that is not generally needed for digital sources.

With resistive passives controlling the interconnect is more critical. TVCs and AVCs less so (Ralph has this thing about transformers too - so that probably wouldn't be a convincing argument to him). However John Chapman's new design (6 input version) incorporates a buffer stage that can be turned on/off for each input. He comments that using it would be in extreme cases where a source could not drive the passive. No buffer on the output though, which the B1 incorporates in its resistive passive design (along with the input as well). Interestingly enough John chose to just make his TAP resistive passive mini modules with short pigtails that you place near the amp, eliminating the long cable on the output. Not sure how this sounds, but it's similar to the concept of the EVS nude attenuators which you just plug into the amps inputs (I have a pair which I should revisit using).

I'd have to say Nelson Pass's design is interesting and could be worth a try. It's certainly priced right. Just wish it had balanced inputs and outputs. Also, noticed that Nelson commented that a regulated power supply would be better than battery.

Pubul57, the AudioKinesis speakers are designed and built by Duke of AudioKinesis.

Although I prefer an active linestage **designed and built properly**, I do not question for a moment that TVCs and even a properly set up passive can do better than most linestages out there. IMO its a statement about how bad most linestages actually are.

John Chapman has a remote system that allows you to put the passive control right by the amp which with passives is really the only way to do it. The remote solves the issue of having to get up and adjust the volume on both channels every time you want to change the volume.

FWIW we offer a passive control option in our amplifiers...

Ralph, does your comment about TVCs and I assume ATVCs as well apply to pure attenuators passives (resitor-based) as well, or are they hopelessly compromised in terms of getting impedance matching optimized in most systems?

Ralph,

Can you elaborate more on the passive control option for your amps?

Since I have Duke's Jazz Modules coming (have the Stormbringers now) I have been considering the M60s (although the S30 was what I believe Duke voiced the with) as an option.

Thanks