Matching preamp to amp


This probably has been discussed before, but I am wandering how
important it is to match the sensitivity of the amp to the output of
the preamp when choosing new equipment.
I am using a CAT preamp which has about 7volts of output and want to
drive my ARC d70 tube amp, which apparently needs only 0.95 volt for rated
output! What can i expect and is there anything one can do to better match outputs/inputs when this type of inequity applies?
daveyf

Showing 5 responses by daveyf

Al, I think that the problem may be that the preamp has far more output
than the amp needs to reach full power. The CAT has the ability to swing 7 volts at its output whereas the ARC is at full power with just 0.95 volt. Therefore, i am concerned that I will be overdriving the amp at very little volume on the preamp.
Rrog, I am not worried about the fact that the CAT has enough output to
drive the ARC, instead I am concerned that it has way too much output.
The ARC is rated at 0.95 volts to drive it to full power... Since the CAT has the ability to drive 50 volts, I am concerned that even the slightest turn of the
volume control on the preamp will overdrive the amp /or the amp will be at full power. BUT, looking at the other responses, I suspect that it will be ok, once the amp is up and running we shall see and if not, then i think Almarg's suggestion should work.
Thanks Rrog, I haven't yet tried the CAT/ARC combo, but should be able to next
week.I will post as to the results.My current setup of CAT/Jeff Rowland model 8 works very well together, although I can set the input impedance on the model 8 to accommodate the CAT.

BTW, Marakanetz I agree that the CAT rules..:0)
After having listened to many preamps, both ss and tube, the CAT is here
to stay.
Well guys, I hooked up the ARC today and it worked very well with the CAT.
Unfortunately after about 20 minutes there was a VERY loud cracking sound
and i think one of the tubes ARC'ed ( pun intended).( Luckily I managed to mute the output before it blew my speakers...whew!) At first, I thought it could have been a bad cap, but my tech seems to think it was a tube gone bad..:0(
Oh well, back to the drawing board...
Any ideas as to the problem?