2. amps-preamps
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Tube Preamp/ McCormack Amp impedance matching

Hi all, the tube preamp in question, (VTL 2.5) has a 200 Ohm output impedance. Amplifier (McCormack DNA-500) has a 10k Ohm input impedance. I think this should be a pretty good combination, impedance-wise. Would you try to do more to optimize the combination with any of the impedance matching devices out there? Or, go as is? I'm aware of 2 impedance matching devices, ATI "The Match-maker" and Burson Audio's AB-160 Buffer.
Thanks.
foster_9
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almarg
9,670 posts
 
Emerson -- I'm not sure that is a good solution. According to the MatchMaker specs shown here, the output impedance of its unbalanced outputs is 1500 ohms!

The output impedance of its balanced outputs is very low, but it looks like the transformer it uses to generate the balanced outputs is optimized for a professional-type low impedance load ("600/150 ohms"), and it may not perform at its best if you were to run it into the DNA-500's balanced inputs, which I presume are much higher impedance.

Also, the unbalanced input impedance of the MatchMaker is 10K, no higher than (and in fact the same as) the DNA-500's!

Sorry to be the bearer of bad tidings!

Regards,
-- Al

foster_9 OP
1,638 posts
 
Al, I'll email you
acman3
4,270 posts
 
Hello Foster_9, I have a problem with impedance between preamp and amp and was wondering how the ati mm100 worked for you. Danny
foster_9 OP
1,638 posts
 
Acman3, the ATI is no longer in the chain. My gear is still settling in and first I want to hear where things are headed. I'll try to let you know.
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