I don't think the ML 383 had a passive preamp section but I can't be sure. On the other hand my Pass Labs INT-150 did. According to Pass it was basically their X150.5 amp with the passive preamp section. It wasn't dead sounding but it lacked the more energetic nature of my X2.5 and X150.5 separates that it replaced. The newer Pass integrated amps use an an active preamp section with gain.
