Matching Amps and Preamps--any Combo?

Let's say that you want to experiment with separates. Can you buy ANY preamp and match it with ANY amp? What should you look out for?

crazy4blues03-24-2003 8:24pm

marakanetz Details Discussions Posts This discussion Message User 5,473 posts 03-24-2003 at 10:04pm Copy Comment URL Report Comment Edit Delete I'd start from ANY room first.
aball Details Discussions Posts This discussion Message User 2,018 posts 03-25-2003 at 03:56am Copy Comment URL Report Comment Edit Delete No way. Synergy makes or breaks any system, even the $100k ones. Room too for sure. For the components, you have to watch for impedance matching, capacitance matching, level matching, and tonal characteristics, all of which are only obtained by trial and error, or simply by getting both preamp and amp of the same brand. I favor the latter since it is a zillion times easier. Good luck.
pbb Details Discussions Posts This discussion Message User 1,140 posts 03-25-2003 at 11:22am Copy Comment URL Report Comment Edit Delete Never look at the specs and for sure you will wind up doing it by trial and error. Get on target first with objective parameters, then you can start with the audiophile approved "search for synergy". The last part is the crux of subjective audiophilia: the match you make may or may not have widespread audiophile approval (ask three audiophiles about anything and you will get five different opinions) that's ok so long as the sound pleases you.