2. amps-preamps
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Do I have to brand match preamp and amp?

I recently got an Ayre v-5xe Amp for my two channel setup (with Revel f208 speakers and PS Audio Directstream DAC). At a good price locally.

I looked at the matching K-5xe MP matching preamp, but it’s too expensive brand new and nothing available used.

Do I have to get a matching brand preamp? Or something different would do. My budget for the Preamp is around two grand.

thanks!
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Showing 1 response by chefhat

chefhat
19 posts
 
The only thing you have to match is the output impedence of the pre-amp with the input impedence of the power amp. The input impedence of the power amp needs to be at least ten times the output impedence of the pre-amp. The ratio can be higher, e.g. 11:1 or 15:1, but not lower e.g. 8-1, otherwise signal loss and noise may be present.

For example, a pre-amp with an output impedence of 1k ohms needs a pre-amp with an input impedence of at least 10k ohms
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