Passive Preamp Problem


I am looking to find a passive preamp to replace my nakamichi ca-7a. But I read somewhere that you need to match your components' correctly for a passive preamp to have good results. But I don't know how to do that. My DAC is a Cal Audio Sigma with 2vrms output with 2ohm output impedance. And my amp is an Aragon 8002 with 120mB for 1watt output input sensitivity and 22k ohms input impedance. I am not sure what all these figures mean. I hope someone here can help me figure it out whether a passive will sound good with my gear. I am contemplating on getting the Creek obh-12.
yohjixme

Showing 1 response by justlisten

My DAC and the DACs ive used in the past have had 2vrms output and I run a passive pre without problems. I run a 16ft cable from a phono preamp to the passive as well a 4 meter run from the DAC to the passive. I did pick up a Timbre DAC recently which has a 1.5vrms direct output as well as a 7vrms buffered output and had to use the 7vrms buffered out (the less prefered way) as the direct 1.5vrms was not sufficent.

Bottom line, with 2vrms output of your DAC, you should be fine, as long as your interconnects do not have some real high cappacitence.

I use a Reference Line passive model as well as the Mod Squad Line Drive Delux, for the price of the Creek you may want to look for a Mod Squad as they sell here for around $250-$300. They do not have a remote, but have multi inputs and sound very good.