pre/power matching?

Mofi, thanks for linking to my post.

As I indicated there, and as you realize but others may not, it is not as simple as taking the two published numbers and seeing if they differ by a factor of 10 or more. The published impedance numbers are typically at a mid-range frequency (e.g., 1 kHz), and can be much different at other frequencies, especially in the case of most tube preamps.

Here is a quote from another thread on this topic:

07-11-12: Almarg
Ideally the input impedance of the amp should be 10 or more times greater than the output impedance of the preamp, at the frequency for which preamp output impedance is highest. Otherwise audible frequency response irregularities MIGHT result.

If, as is often the case, the highest output impedance of the preamp across the audible frequency range is not known, and only a nominal output impedance is specified (perhaps based on a frequency of 1 kHz), I suggest using a ratio of 50 or more, and preferably 75. Many tube preamps, and some solid state preamps, use a coupling capacitor at their outputs, which can cause their output impedance to be much higher at deep bass frequencies than at higher frequencies.

Impedance incompatibilities are most likely to be encountered when using a tube preamp with a solid state power amp.

If the power amp has an input impedance of around 47K or more, it is unlikely that there will be an issue, even with a tube preamp.

If the component has been reviewed by Stereophile, the measurements John Atkinson usually provides will indicate its worst case impedance across the audible frequency range, to which the 10x factor can be applied.

Regards,
-- Al