[Dave Cook]

After trying direct for a few days and trying a couple other preamps
borrowed from my dealer, I find I still prefer the sound of going
direct for everything but the mid-bass, where all the active pre-amps
have more authority and texture. Going direct is not only cleaner
sounding, but instruments sound more natural and it feels more like
you are in the room with musicians. The actives also perhaps have a
wider soundstage, but I don't find the effect all that natural.

Dave Cook