Music First Audio Passive Magnetic Preamplifier (GBP 1599.00)
Also available in silver wired form for GBP 2750.00

So called Passive Preamplifiers first gained popularity in the early to mid 80's with the rise of CD as an important line level source. I remember well PS Audio (the VK) and the Mod Squad. These were important at the time, because they sounded so much better than an equivalent priced normal preamp. From a technical angle, and others might disagree, I would say that early CD players had such a high level of spurious output above the audio band that they made most preamps sound mediocre due to intermodulation. Passive preamps neatly solved this problem, and combined with the gentle ultrasonic roll-off they exhibited, especially with longer interconnects, they gave the power amp an easier time too.

Anyhow, CD players (and other newer digital sources) have a much kinder output spectrum these days and don't upset normal (active) preamps any more. Passive preamps, which can have problems with too lower input impedance and too higher output impedance have become shunned (with one or two notable exceptions) and we are back to the status quo, as it were.

Then, along comes the Music First Audio and overturns everything again! The MFA isn't a typical passive preamp, though. Instead of using resistors to adjust the gain (wasteful of power and sonically degrading) they use that oldest of technologies, the transformer.

This is a clever solution, but only if those transformers are first class. MFA was formed by a guy who runs a well known specialist audio transformer company (who make transformers for other famous audio brands as well) and the transformers are absolutely first class. Using transformers rather than resistors mean you can actually get voltage gain too, to drive less sensitive power amps, whilst still maintaining a respectably high input impedance and low output impedance. In short, it's almost like a conventional preamp minus the problems of valves, transistors, and power supply - the nearest thing to a "free lunch" as they say!

Lastly, transformers lend themselves equally well to true balanced or single ended operation, so the MFA features both methods of connection, for input and output.

This unit has restored my faith in "Passive Preamps", the sound is so open and transparent it has to be heard. I can't really think of any conventional Active Preamp at this price level which would challenge the MFA. Come along and try it for yourself! I was now going to run through a list of benefits and specs for the unit, but laziness dictates that you visit www.mfaudio.co.uk for all the info you could possibly need, including a full technical discussion of the transformers used.