2. amps-preamps
  3. 1322925310

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.
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Showing 2 responses by herman

herman
2,212 posts
 
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So 600 out to 10K in? Lower than I would like but not a gross mismatch as it is about 1 to 15. Most recommend a minimum of 1 to 10. With your system it seems a shame to add a buffer, why not get a Krell preamp? I doubt you will find a tube line stage with lower Zout.

If you have more than enough gain you could try some step down transformers between the pre and Xover. Dave Slagle at Intact Audio could wind you a custom pair to meet your needs.

If you can DIY or know somebody who can the Zin of the crossover is probably set by a single resistor for each channel which could be changed. You might contact them to see.

As for a standard I doubt that will ever happen.

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herman
2,212 posts
 
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the output impedance of the ARC goes higher as the frequency goes lower.

Good point, any idea how much that would be? I have no idea what size caps they use.

There is no good way to fix this- either

Bigger caps? I realize that most would be reluctant to do surgery on such an expensive pre but if not then why not just up the value?

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