Ref 3 Impedence Mismatch HELP please


I've recently discovered I have an impedence mismatch between my Xilica XD 4080 digital crossover and the ARC REF 3. The input impedence on the Xilica is 10K. Which is too low for the REF 3. This causes issues with the sound in the high frequencies and lows. It seems like a Burson Audio XLR Audio Buffer would be the solution but apparently they are not importing them into the country any more.
I was wondering if there is another product or manufacturer that might have a product as a solution or if there is any way to raise the input impedence of the Xilica Crossover by adding caps or resistors as in internal mod.

Any ideas? I know I can always replace the preamp with a solid state unit which I'm contemplating.

As an after thought, wouldn't it be great if the audio manufacturers could at least codify the specs for all audio equipment so that these problems could be prevented? All manufacturs would have to at least hit a target input and output impedence so that all equipment could work together electrically. It seems a no brainer for the industry to develop.
sgr
Any idea how much that would be?
http://www.stereophile.com/content/audio-research-reference-3-line-preamplifier-measurements:
The output impedance was also to spec., at 635 ohms balanced and 326 ohms unbalanced in the treble and midrange, but rose to 1437 ohms and 625 ohms, respectively, at 20Hz.
The OP's processor has only balanced inputs. A rise in preamp output impedance from 635 ohms in the mids and treble to 1437 ohms at 20Hz is non-ideal in relation to a 10K load (assuming that spec is accurate), but on the other hand doesn't seem likely to cause more than a very slight bottom octave rolloff.

Not sure why there would be issues with the highs, as the OP reported, unless the interconnect cables are particularly long and do not have low capacitance per unit length. In that situation, perceptible upper treble rolloff could result from the interaction of cable capacitance and preamp output impedance.

Best regards,
-- Al
Sgr, pull my old OPs that considered a very similar problem, in some ways even worse than what you have. I used to own a Ref 3 and now a Ref 5. A fellow by the name of Tom Tutay built a custom impedance buffer for me.

Admittedly, it is principally for the Ref 3/5's Main #2 output that powers my sub, not my main outputs. I would call Tom and see if he can custom build something for you. My only concern is that inserting an artifact into your main signal path may cause a different set of problems. But do give Tom a call. He is top drawer. His number is listed on my OPs.
Herman, Bifwynne's suggestion is a good one- Tom is a good guy and knows his stuff.

If you install larger coupling caps, the caps themselves will color the sound to a greater degree.

The bottom line here though will be that if you use this preamp with this crossover, you are likely to wind up with some sort of coloration or artifact- this is a tricky problem to get around.
A buffer changes the entire picture. If you want a ARC Reference preamp doing its thing, get an amplifier with an input impedance of 50kOhms or higher.
Hi,
Thanks for all the suggestions. There is indeed a bass roll off using the REF 3 with the Xilica Crossover. The spokesman at ARC, confirmed there would be a roll off in the treble and bass, with a loss of dynamics.
I am using a 25 foot balanced interconnect between preamps and crossover so that I could keep the source and preamp from being on a rack inbetween the speakers.

I have recently tried two different solid state preamps in my system and this problem has been confirmed, the other preamps sound much better than my ARC. Darn, I like ARC preamps and never suspected there could be a problem. This does solve one problem though, why wasn't I getting great bass and treble response from my system.

My solution is to look for a great solid state preamp to install in my system. Right now I'm using a friends Gryphon Sonata Allegro and it really has taken the system to a new level. If I could find another of these that's what I'd purchase. Darn, they are not imported into the states any more.

Right now I'm considering a Pass Labs XP 20 preamp. Anyone else have any more suggestions?
Thanks,
Steve