I use my Rossini with a passive preamp, perhaps the best on the market, a bespoke audio 
Here is what @PaleRider had to say on the subject:
I don’t use an active preamp, but my experience has been similar. My system sounds better with the Vivaldi DAC running at 6V with a Townshend Allegri Reference Pre attenuating the volume, than it did with the DAC at either 2V or 6V and controlling the volume with the Vivaldi.
I am a big fan of autoformer passive attenuators and Dave Slagle makes some of the best,
he can make a balanced unit
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Bespoke Audio siver wired passive preamp or Vinnie Rossi Brama gen2 ?
The two preamps are designed with different philosophies and are not likely to sound similar. However which is preferred by you cannot be predicted by me.
At a practical level the question arises of how differential balanced connection is achieved by either. Yes there are XLR inputs but that alone does not give an answer. For differential balanced operation the preamplifier should amplify only the difference ( hence the name) between the + or - input signals. In SS designs this is carried out in the circuit but this may not be the case here ( being passive or tube). I have checked both designs as far as I can but neither mentions balanced in the limited specification I can find.
Having looked at the internals of the oreamps I would guess that the Rossi may use transformers to achieve this but the Bespoke looks to my eyes as if it offers only an XLR chassis connector without balanced operation.
I am only guessing from what I can find so recommend contacting the vendors and asking about balanced inputs and NOT just XLR ports.
All dCS units have true balanced outputs and Apex units have an improved balanced output stage. Therefore when buying a preamp I would consider proper balanced inputs a major consideration. Without proper differential operation the improved reduction of any parasitic noise picked up by the interconnect ( CMR) will not be achieved.
Once settled then IMO an audtion is necessary before you commit to spending.
Thank you for the tip! I will do that and see from there.
Ask for information on differential balanced inputs. Just in case whoever deals with your query thinks that “balanced” is synonymous with XLR (from experience some do).
I believe that Bespoke Audio passive preamps are a relative of Music First ( in turn an adjunct of Stevens & Billington Transformers). The products of the two companies seem to be pretty much the same. “Bespoke” appears to refer to the case finish. If you are happy to have a standard finish then maybe you can save money. BTW, Music First refer only to XLR connection and not to balanced. Check the Reference V2.
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The XLR inputs of the Vinnie Rossi are differential balanced.
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