Price Paid:  $0.00

Summary:
I have just installed this unit between my Sony DVP9000ES and Audio Research 100.2. I have been very impressed to date. This preamp works as advertised. I can clearly hear certain vocal passages and soft percussion that I could not make out before. Perhaps, the most honest product I have encountered. It reduces the signal and imparts clarity and lower distortion just as Guy Hammel said it would.

Price Paid:  $1100.00 from Placete

Summary:
My NHT VT-2 5.1 audio/video system needed an analog volume control to play SACD from a Sony 9000ES CD/DVD/SACD player with a by-pass when using a Theta Casa Nova to play DVD. Placete had the right combo for just over $1100. While this Review area only has space for a pre-amp unit, Placete has 3 different pre-amps, an active unit at around $4000, a passive unit at around $1400, & the one I got, a Volume Control Unit for a single input for $1000 with an added by-pass for an extra $100. Easy to set up & plays analog SACD with such clarity that my NHT VT-2 sounds almost as good as my larger stereo system with Martin Logan SL3's. This is the answer for audio-manics that need a simple answer to play SACD stereo within an all digital 5.1 digital system

Strengths:
Clarity & fine-tunning

Weaknesses:
Needs short length cables with passive unit

Similar Products Used:
Audio Reseach LS9 & LS16, Theta Casa Nova

Price Paid:  $1400.00 from Placette

Summary:
I have the passive version and it is simply a straight wire with gain...the ideal that all preamps are supposed to strive for...but seldom achieve. Requires a good break in. Fit and finish are absolutely first rate. Transparent, grainless and uncolored.

Strengths:
An open window to the recording. Nice build quality. Neutral, not euphonic

Weaknesses:
Not a weakness really but should be partnered with gear that does not have glaring defects like el cheapo CD players.

Similar Products Used:
Bryston, Conrad Johnson, Rogue, Classe

Price Paid:  $800.00 from audiogon

Summary:
I inserted the Placette one input remote unit into my system with much anticipation It did not disappoint! Rather, it was very dynamic and transparent. The soundstage was wider and deeper than my previous active preamps (exc. the Cello). This passive pre is worth every penny, and a bargain used. I have used the EVS passive controls and found them to lack in dynamics. I use only a turntable, so the single input is all that is needed. My system is a Basis table/Graham 2.2/VPI SDS/Helikon/Pass Xono/Placette/KR VT6000 monos/Nordost Quattros and SPM Ref. cables/Virt. Dynamics Nite power cords/Wilson Watt/active air suspension tables.

Strengths:
Dynamics/soundstaging/transparency

Weaknesses:
Underwhelming cosmetics.

Similar Products Used:
TLC 1R passive/KR P150 active/CJ Premier 14 active/EVS passive/Cello Palette(wonderful, but too many inputs and controls).

Price Paid:  $0.00

Summary:
Nice preamp! Clearly the best passive unit on the market. If you want to hear clarity from your source material you must try the Placette. It really is transparent. Some might like tubes but the low noise floor makes the Placette my first choice.

Strengths:
Dynamic, Good bass drive, No veiling like some tube preamps, No brightness like some solid state preamps.

Weaknesses:
Looks! This thing is just not pretty at all.

Similar Products Used:
BAT 3i, Reference line, First sound, Classe, Krell, Plinius, McCormick