2. amps-preamps
  3. 135199-111486

Impedance matching with tube amp

I have a Mccormack DNA 0.5 which has an input impedance of 100kohm. I'd like to get the Schiit Saga preamp, which has an output impedance of 180 ohms. Now, I've read about the 10:1-100:1 ratio of input:output impedance for power amps and preamps, so this wouldn't quite fit that range of ratios. Would this still be a good option, and if not, what other (<$500) tube preamp options do I have?

Thanks!
muffinhead123
erik_squires
16,234 posts
 
The ratio is a minimum. Ideally you want a minimum of 10:1.  Anything over that is fine. 

Best,


Erik 
atmasphere's avatar
atmasphere
11,861 posts
 
IOW you're good to go.
muffinhead123 OP
35 posts
 
Alrighty, thanks a lot guys!
bdp24's avatar
bdp24
9,868 posts
 
"this wouldn't quite fit that range of ratios" suggests a misunderstanding of the ratio "rule". The pre-amp's output impedance doesn't have to fall within 1/10th and 1/100th of the power amp's input impedance, it's that the ratio of power amp input impedance to pre-amp output impedance should be 10 to 1 in the opinion of some, 100 to 1 in the opinion of others. But that 180 ohm figure for the Saga is a nominal one, not it's complete one. Even so, 180 ohms times 100 is still only 18k, far less than 100k!
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