Thanks for the info and insight shmuelyosef,
Once I've got everything actually working, and got it to sound how I want, I'm keeping my options open as to then passive electronics against wired pre-amps and things, and the options of re-wiring. I want something that sounds good, gives a good output without noise, and something reliable when humping it about. I don't plan on using for too many gigs/outings, but when I do I don't want to have to 'fettle' it before hand!