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 tom_nice

If you can solder a bit, you could learn roughly what a passive would be like by making a simple attenuation network with a signal resistor Rs and a resistor to ground Rg such that Rs + Rg = 10K ohms. I've used a 10K ohm passive with 8' interconnects with an Aragon 4004 II and a Pass Aleph 3, and both have input impedances around 23K ohms. Not ideal according to theory--50K ohms or 100K ohms would be--but it worked fine. I suggest 4K ohms for Rs and 6K ohms for Rg, then swap them if it's too loud. For details on the network get in touch: nicetom@sonic.net. I'd also STRONGLY advise making your own passive, since it's so easy to make on that rivals or betters any commercial product. But it does take some DIY skills, mostly in the area of cabinet-making (the chassis).