BAT vk-3ix and Parasound Halo A21 match?

I have no experience with impedance matching. But from a very recent experience, if you buy the A21, try to make use of the XLR instead of RCA. It made a HUGE difference, with my passive preamp. Good luck.

I do use the XLR inputs, that was one of the reasons the BAT made my short list. I run xlr from the DAC as well. And I agree with you on the difference between the balanced vs. unbalanced.

I didn't mean to sound harsh or anything, but if you read your origional post, it does seem like you are a bit unsure as to your decision. That's why I thought you were guessing. Also, BAT and Parasound are very different sounding products, in general. That threw me off as well.

The upside to this is that you shouldn't have any trouble at all getting the amp and the preamp to work together from a technical standpoint. As far as sound quality goes, you'll probably be very happy, as well. I've always felt that the preamp is the most overlooked component in most peoples systems. If you don't get it right its just one problem after another. In your case, the BAT will probably be the strongest component in the system. That's a very good thing. Everything should get better: imaging, resolution, transparency, dynamics should all be enhanced from what they now are. I think you will be surprised at just how big the difference will be.

Milpai,

Is your passive unit balanced? Also, what do you have going into it for a source? I don't mean to pry but I'm a big fan of passive preamps. Not that many people see the value in using them so its always good to get opinions from other users.

To the OP, I posted a reply after reading your reply to mine. That was about 4-5 hours ago. I hope it turns up. I just wanted to clarify that I think you made a very good decision to go with the BAT. I list a few reasons why.

No problem Zd542, I took you're comments as good advice, if I was unclear that was my fault. It may end up that the Parasound isn't the best match in the world, but if it sounds even a little better then what I have now I'll be extremely happy since I'm pretty happy with what I have now. If for whatever reason it doesn't I'll begin looking for a used SS BAT amps in the future. I'd love to go tubes, but my pockets aren't deep enough for high power tube amps - even used.