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Best balanced tube preamp for NHT XD System?

I'm hoping to receive some guidance on the best tube preamp for a NHT XD 2.1 (hopefully soon to be 2.2) setup. I'm presently using a Parasound JC2 and am mostly pleased. The Parasound is fed exclusively by a Benchmark DAC1. The sound is wonderful, but slightly on the "clinical" (as opposed to "warm") end of the sound spectrum. I'm hoping that the tubes can solve the problem. I've read a single (highly favorable) review of someone who matched the Cary SLP 03 with an XD setup, but the reviews for this preamp are scarce and somewhat mixed. I have a less-than-ideal Sunfire Classic Vacuum Tube preamp that needs to be refurbished and would prefer to go another route. Finally, and as a reminder, I would also prefer XLR balanced in and out.
teaman

Showing 2 responses by atmasphere

atmasphere's avatar
atmasphere
12,088 posts
 
Daverz, there are balanced tube preamps out there where 10K ohms in an amplifier is no concern at all, just FWIW.
atmasphere's avatar
atmasphere
12,088 posts
 
Daverz, the general rule of thumb is 10:1, but you see these higher numbers due to the fact that a lot of tube preamps have a coupling cap at the output that will limit their low frequency response/impact. Its another way of saying that their output impedance goes up as you go into the bass frequencies.

IOW 10:1 is OK as long as the actual output impedance is the same at all frequencies, which is not the case with a lot of tube preamps. Either the coupling cap has to be made a lot larger (which reduces transparency) to deal with 10K at your amp at 20Hz, or done away with altogether (direct-coupled). With direct-coupling you have no issues with bass impact at all :)
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