Audiophile grade passive impedance buffer


Preamp balanced output impedance at 20Hz measured by Stereophile as 6.9k ohms! No problem into 90k ohm balanced input impedance of old amp, but new amp inputs only 10k ohms balanced. If an audiophile grade passive impedance buffer exists on the market, I haven't seen it. Will I need to run single-ended and thereby abandon a fully-balanced setup? Or does one of my components simply need to go?

hickamore

I think your only option is a transformer unless you want to go for active buffer.

 

Question is whether your preamp's output impedance is resistive or not.  If it's resistive and your amp's input is also resistive you'll at worst suffer loss of gain. 

If it's a tube pre with capacitor outputs chances are it's capacitive and output Z goes up as F goes down.  One possible solution is to increase the capacitor sizing.  More uF will reduce the output Z in the bass region.

I should add that otherwise, imhifiman is correct.  An impedance buffer is the solution.  You'll trade impedance for gain, but at least it should ensure a flat response.

Guess I just need tips on where to find a suitable impedance buffer. My own search turned up nothing promising.

BTW, Mfr says "output impedance is primarily resistive. This means it should behave consistently across different frequencies." Believe this is so with amp as well but have not yet verified. Just don't want to lose deep bass to an impedance mismatch.

 

@armstrod What a fabulous piece of gear! I would buy that thing simply on principle. Now awaiting a dealer response. Do you personally use it?

@czarivey Heard rumors of that one but could not track down a specimen. 

@invalid Fascinating, who knew? Not I. These seem to have balanced OUT, but no balanced IN. Versatile and reasonably priced. Thanks.

Al from space tech can build whatever you need, just give him a call or email, he usually answers in a few hours or less.

@hickamore I haven't used his Analog Bridge, but I've owned Dan's LS100 preamp  in the past and currently use his PH 9.0XT phono preamp. All quality equipment from a quality guy. If you have questions about how it might work for your application, call or email him; he's generally very accessible and willing to help.