Amp/Preamp Asylum: REVIEW: Placette Audio Balanced Passive Linestage Preamplifier (SS) by cpcat

Model:	Balanced Passive Linestage
Category:	Preamplifier (SS)
Suggested Retail Price:	$2520.00
Description:	balanced passive preamp
Manufacturer URL:	Placette Audio
Manufacturer URL:	Placette Audio

Review by cpcat ( A ) on April 21, 2003 at 06:23:26
IP Address: 65.81.210.132

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for the Balanced Passive Linestage

I first got into passives after purchasing an Adcom GFP750. I was impressed by the lack of grain and fatigue I heard (or didn't hear).
I was not necessarily that unhappy with the Adcom but had heard great things about the Placette models so went for the upgrade. I wanted to
stay balanced as my Meridian 508.24 is a balanced source and the Pass
amps I use perform better with one as well. I was looking for a little more transparency as well as some more authority in the bass regions.
I ordered the model in Dec 02. Guy Hammel was super nice and helpful over
the phone and promised me I'd have it by Xmas. Indeed, it arrived on Xmas
eve and even though my wife wanted me to wait, of course I had to open it soon after it arrived. I had requested Guy make one of the inputs a HT pass-thru which he was happy to do at no extra cost. It was packed extremely well and everything worked perfectly right out of the gate.
As far as the sound, what I immediately noted was an increase in my perceived sense of space. I also noted an immediate sense of increased bass authority and articulation. The increased space didn't seem to come
at the expense of detail or imaging, either. Over time I've noticed continued improvement with break-in in enlargement of the soundstage and
a slightly greater sense of openness and naturality to the high frequencies. The break-in has been slow and probably is still ongoing, especially in those volume control positions that I use less frequently.
I should probably expand on my description of the high frequencies. This
unit gives you the impression of absolutely *zero* distortion in the highs.
I guess you could use terms like "crystalline" and "non-fatiguing" to describe them but you really just need to hear it for yourself to understand. I had never really thought my system produced any distortion
in this region before but it was only conspicuous by its absence.
Overall, I'm highly satisfied with this pre and would recommend it highly.
It is very open, transparent, and natural sounding with powerful and authoritative bass while being dead-quiet. One caveat would be that I'm using a low impedance source (94 ohms balanced, 5 volts) so I can't give any direct recc's regarding using this passive with less robust sources. I'm told it's better than most, however, because of the relatively resistive loading provided by its Vishay volume control.
If I had to criticize it, I guess some would need more input options
available than three although I have no need for more. I've not noticed any lack in dynamics but I'm sure there are active pre's out there that may
be more dynamic (Placette's active I'm sure would be one but 8 grand for the balanced version is just way out of my league). It's small, thin, and
relatively un-exciting in appearance.
I guess that's enough rambling, hope this was helpful to some.
Charles

Product Weakness: see above
Product Strengths: see above

Associated Equipment for this Review:
Amplifier:	dual Pass x150's biamped
Preamplifier (or None if Integrated):	see above
Sources (CDP/Turntable):	Meridian 508.24
Speakers:	PSB Stratus Gold i, Vandy 2wq's
Cables/Interconnects:	See my inmate system
Music Used (Genre/Selections):	Rock, Bluegrass, some Jazz
Time Period/Length of Audition:	4 mos
Other (Power Conditioner etc.):	PS Audio P300
Type of Audition/Review:	Product Owner

Product Weakness:	see above
Product Strengths:	see above