2. amps-preamps
  3. 1200020606

Mixing amps pre amps?

Now I have conrad johnson pv14L pre amp and also cj amp. I need more power and am starting the upgrade process. I am going to audition the classe ca2200 I think. Will it work well or is there a way to tell with the pv14L or should I also bring the cp5 classe pre amp. I just want to hear classe in my system to see if that is the route I am going to take. I may even go with the mono blocks. initially want to hear one of thier good amps and this is all my dealer has to demo.
thanks
beerdraft
dcstep
1,518 posts
 
Generally there's no problem mixing brands. Many even use a tube preamp with a SS amp of a different brand. Generally, there can be rare exceptions, there's no problems mixing brands and or tube vs. SS.

Dave
rlawry
485 posts
 
As Dcstep says above, you should be able to mix brands of amps and preamps. The only time it could be a problem is if the preamp has a high output impedance and/or the power amp has a low input impedance. For practical purposes, the ratio of amp input impedance to preamp output impedance should be at least 10:1, preferably more if you don't want to get rolled off bass and treble.
beerdraft OP
198 posts
 
I'll check th manual on that. What about the fact that cj does something like inverts the phase or something. does this matter.
salevick
77 posts
 
My system is the CJ 14 with Classe CA-150's. I like the combo of tubes with the SS amp/amps. The sound is great for my listening room and music tastes. The bass is full and tight and the joy of tubes is there in the midrange. Hope that this helps. Steve Levick
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