Vintage Asylum

Posted by JonM (A) on January 10, 2022 at 13:13:40

In Reply to: RE: Non Mcintosh preamp match with Mcintosh MC240 posted by s.etal2@juno.com on January 10, 2022 at 11:14:16

With the amp's input impedance of 100k, the output impedance of the preamp (usually below 1k) is basically irrelevant. This isn't a situation where you're looking to maximizing *power* transfer - in that case, the impedances should match - but in this case, you just want to convey the signal *voltage* with minimal distortion (frequency response variation or phase shift), which implies you want a low output impedance for the preamp. Virtually any solid state preamp will have a low enough output impedance to do that. Just find one you like (the sound of, the ergonomics of, the build quality of, the price of), use reasonably short (to reduce capacitance), well shielded (to reduce noise) cables to connect the preamp and amp, and you'll be fine.