Another Basic Question about Preamps


Is it correct that the output impedence of the preamp should be less than the input impedence of the amp?

Is there any rule of thumb about the relationship between these two numbers?
dsper

Showing 1 response by trebejo

At least a ratio of 10. The output impedance of the preamp indicates its reluctance to deliver current--the higher the impedance, the harder it is to send current. The input impedance of the amp is associated with its need for current--the lower the input impedance, the more current that it requires to perform the same task.
A voltage divider effect ensues, which is minimized as the ratio of output/input impedance increases. I have heard that for good sound, 10 is the minimum for this ratio, but the higher the better.