Recently I've done some research comparing the sound of various opamps. From what I've found, it can be difficult to get true high-fidelity performance from low current battery powered onboard electronics. There seems to be a trade off between current draw and fidelity. From my experience, it would seem that many onboard preamps use low power opamps which give long battery life but tend to compromise the sound quality. Outboard gear doesn't face this limitation, and can use higher quality components. I think this might help explain why most onboard preamps tend to add noticeable coloration. FWIW, I tried replacing the stock LF442 (400

[quote="John H.":2lud6sy8]I think tone is tone. If you like what the bass puts out, go for it no matter how it is achieved. [/quote:2lud6sy8] +1 Personally, I strongly prefer passive because it provides the tones I want, and is one less thing that can go screwy.

Active vs Passive, P vs J, Rosewood vs Maple, etc. etc. These discussions pop up all the time elsewhere, and there is always one consistent theme: everyone has their own opinion. Bottom line: go with what you like and don't feel like you have to explain why to anyone else. If you listen to enough recordings, you will find plenty of examples of great tone with any of the previously mentioned contenders.