Musical Fidelity A3 or Pass Labs Aleph 30

CDMA: A VTL (2.5 or 5.5) has an output impedance of only 200 ohms. I'm using a 2.5 with the Aleph 30 which has in input of 47 kohms, putting you well w/in the 10/100 ratio. Enjoying the set up very much.

If the Aleph 30 has a rating of 47 kohms, what would be the optimum output impedance for a pre-amp?

Gary: The way I understand the 10/100 "rule," the preamp output should be around 470 ohms. However, this doesn't mean that, say, the Rogue 66 (650 ohms) wouldn't work out just fine; listening is the key. If you have the funds, it might not be such a bad idea to buy a couple of used preamps on Audiogon and try out each one for a couple of weeks. Most of the common brands are really good: Cary, CJ, VTL, Rogue, etc (reliability really shouldn't be an issue if you're careful--no hot swapping!). Each has its own sound signature. Keep the best one; you can most likely sell the runners-up for about what you paid for them.

What I like about the Aleph 30 and the VTL combo is this: Pass wanted the 30 to be more workable for tube preamps; VTL wanted the 2.5 and 5.5 to be more compatible with ss power amps. Theoretically, this particular combo should be synergistically ideal. Sure, it's theory, but my early applications have been enjoyable. In fact, things are really starting to settle in nicely as I approach about 25 hours of listening time. I think that things will get even better with more listening.

No matter what you try, have fun--avoid frustration. Remember, this is F-U-N. Have a good time experimenting!

John

Wasn't it 1 to 10 rule?
If the aleph 30 is 47000 ohms (47 Kohms) the highest preamp value shouldn't be 4700 Ohms ?

When this true you have plenty of chance of combination.
By the way I understood that should be the safe zone ratio and having a pre in the range of 800-1000 ohms will be even more safe I guess.

I traded an a3cr power amp in for a much superior listening experience with aleph 30, 50 -75% more detail, texture and no edge at all. Engaging throughout any music signal. The a3cr was quite, great slam but 90% of the time too laid back and distorting the signal with a/b operation which caused me a lot of restlessness waitng for the dynamics only as relief. Class a aleph oozes all the music out with untouchable finesse in all critical areas of playback which equals long listening sessions and funds well spent!