2. amps-preamps
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What amp do you use with your passive pre?

I decided to get a LDR Passive Pre. No, not Tortuga. This one is from a super nice guy name Chris in New Zealand. I currently have a Class D amp (one of those better boards). Although I like it, I always miss the Class A/tube sound. So, looking for amp that is minimum 50wpc. I currently have 91db speakers but will change them soon to Harbeth (most likely).

Long story short; what amp are you using with your passive pre?
celo

Showing 3 responses by georgehifi

georgehifi's avatar
georgehifi
10,312 posts
 
Yes with poweramps, input sensitivity is usually stated as the maximum voltage input, at which time the amp is just below going into hard clipping usually into an 8ohms load.

Cheers George
georgehifi's avatar
georgehifi
10,312 posts
 
OK let me try to clarify few things in my mind.
I assume every amplifier manufacturer gives the input sensitivity
I’ve only ever seen the input sensitivity (in volts or millivolts) for amps as stated for the amps full wattage output just before clipping. Unless specifically stated for only 1 watt of output

Speakers sensitivity (where you maybe getting confused) is stated as sensitivity in dB for for 1watt input .

Cheers George
georgehifi's avatar
georgehifi
10,312 posts
 
Before any suggestion can be made, 3 things to look for in an amp and source that will be a perfect match for a 10kohm passive, be it LDR, Potentiometer, Switch Resistor, and some TVC’s.
Then there will be no compromises, and you'll get the most transparent/dynamic/extended sound from your system. 

1: You need to get an amp who’s input sensitivity voltage is the same or lower than the sources output voltage.
EG:
Amp 1.5v (input sensitivity) in for full output
Source 1.5v or higher output.

2: An amp that has higher than 33kohm input impedance, which most are.

3: Sources output impedance should be lower than 1kohm (1000ohm) which most are.

Cheers George
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