Ref 3 Impedence Mismatch HELP please

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

Sgr, FWIW, you don't have to go to transistors to run 25 feet of balanced cable to a crossover. You just need a preamp that can do that. Our preamps can drive over 100 feet of cable, and they are all-tube; plus they can drive input impedances as low as 600 ohms with no problem- 10K is a piece of cake :)

I have held the opinion for over 25 years that if a preamp or other device like a DAC has an XLR output, then it should also support the associated balanced standard. The standard is simple: in addition to proper pin connections on the XLR, it requires that the device be able to drive a low impedance, 600 ohms being typical (meaning that 10K should be no worries). It also requires the the ground (shield) not carry any signal current (IOW, the signal occurs entirely between the inverted and non-inverted phases, ignoring ground).

Most modern preamps in high end audio with balanced outputs don't support the standard, being unable to drive low impedances and also using the ground connection as part of the signal (which increases susceptibility to cable problems). ARC is one of them. This causes confusion, because with balanced operation you are supposed to be able to use long interconnects without loss. This will not be true if the preamp does not support the standard!

To my knowledge, we are the only tube manufacturer that supports the balanced standard (BTW I would love to learn that I am wrong). OTOH there are a good number of transistor preamp manufacturers that do support the standard. If there is ever any question, just ask 'What is the longest cable this preamp will drive?' If 50 feet is out of the question, the preamp does not support the standard.

Atmosphere,
Great speaking with. You gave me lots to think about. I really enjoyed speaking with you and learning about your company and products.
Thanks again,
Steve