Just wanted to weigh in on using a Lightspeed in very unfavorable impedance conditions. I have a DAC with an output Z of 10k and an amp with an input Z of 15K . All logic tells you that inserting the Lightspeed between those two devices would spell certain sonic disaster. I had resigned myself to using an active preamp until I could solve the impedance mismatch either by using a buffer or replacing equipment. My active tube Preamp is an Airtight with an input Z of 100K and an output of 600 Ohms easily fulfilling the "10 to 1" rule.
Having already pulled the Lightspeed out of the system knowing it could never work anywhere near as optimally as my expensive tube preamp , I suddenly decided to compare the Lightspeed to the Airtight. With only one input it was a simple swap and within the first 30 seconds I realized that the Lightspeed even in a terrible sub optimal impedance match was wiping the floor with my active preamp ANYWAY. Just thought I would give more than a sliver of hope to those who think the Lightspeed won't kick your expensive active preamp to the curb even in a bad impedance mismatch. Yes George warns over and over that the Amp "should be over 50K input Z" and the source "should be 200 ohms".
The last thing I ever expected was to hear the Lightspeed be more dynamic , more extended, more spacious and 3D and to basically make a very very fine and expensive preamp sound absolutely woolly by comparison and all this in what was supposed to be a very impedance unfriendly situation. Now all I want is to do is stop slapping Ohms Law in the Face and try to get the impedance matches where they belong so I can hear the Lightspeed in its full singing glory. I can't even imagine how much better it could be , but I will sure try to get the matches right and let the Lightspeed cut loose.
SO , for a quick recap, Just because your impedences don't fall in the 10 to 1 rule or better, don't think the Lightspeed won't easily dethrone your expensive active preamp anyway and make what you thought was the best Preamp you ever heard sound broken by comparison.
Having already pulled the Lightspeed out of the system knowing it could never work anywhere near as optimally as my expensive tube preamp , I suddenly decided to compare the Lightspeed to the Airtight. With only one input it was a simple swap and within the first 30 seconds I realized that the Lightspeed even in a terrible sub optimal impedance match was wiping the floor with my active preamp ANYWAY. Just thought I would give more than a sliver of hope to those who think the Lightspeed won't kick your expensive active preamp to the curb even in a bad impedance mismatch. Yes George warns over and over that the Amp "should be over 50K input Z" and the source "should be 200 ohms".
The last thing I ever expected was to hear the Lightspeed be more dynamic , more extended, more spacious and 3D and to basically make a very very fine and expensive preamp sound absolutely woolly by comparison and all this in what was supposed to be a very impedance unfriendly situation. Now all I want is to do is stop slapping Ohms Law in the Face and try to get the impedance matches where they belong so I can hear the Lightspeed in its full singing glory. I can't even imagine how much better it could be , but I will sure try to get the matches right and let the Lightspeed cut loose.
SO , for a quick recap, Just because your impedences don't fall in the 10 to 1 rule or better, don't think the Lightspeed won't easily dethrone your expensive active preamp anyway and make what you thought was the best Preamp you ever heard sound broken by comparison.
