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Matching a tube preamp to a SS amp, with a sub

post #1 of 8
1/10/10 at 11:07am
Thread Starter 
I'm considering pairing a tube preamp with a SS amp for my new stereo setup. When doing this, I've read that, to match the amp and preamp, I need to ensure that the input impedance on the SS amp is sufficiently high, relative to the output impedance of the preamp.

Now, the way I'm intending to set up my system is to use the sub for "bass augmentation," where I use the high pass filter on the sub to only run it at frequencies below where the mains roll off. To do this, I plan to split the preamp outputs, running one set from preamp>sub, and another set from preamp>amp>mains. My question is, since I'll be running one set of preamp outputs directly to the sub, do I also need to sure that the input impedance on the sub's amp is sufficiently high, relative to the preamp's output impedance?
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post #2 of 8
1/10/10 at 6:33pm
This is basically what I do (pre -ARC LS-26, amp -Plinius SA-102, sub - Velodyne DD-15)......... you should be just fine !
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post #3 of 8
1/11/10 at 10:49pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Rrolack View Post

My question is, since I'll be running one set of preamp outputs directly to the sub?

You have Revel F32's that reach down to 30-33Hz. You don't need a sub for 2 channel, IMO. Try the setup with out a sub first.
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post #4 of 8
1/12/10 at 4:28am
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Originally Posted by K Shep View Post

You don't need a sub for 2 channel, IMO. Try the setup with out a sub first.

I used to believe that at one time also, truth is very few 'full range' speakers will do justice to the bottom octave like a top notch sub. Even though a speaker may be 'rated' to a certian frequency that dosen't mean it dosen't start to fall off ahead of that number.

While I agree....give it a try without first, I all buy assure you that a good sub and room EQ correction will improve it further.
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post #5 of 8
1/12/10 at 6:26am
Quote:
Originally Posted by twitch54 View Post

I used to believe that at one time also, truth is very few 'full range' speakers will do justice to the bottom octave like a top notch sub. Even though a speaker may be 'rated' to a certian frequency that dosen't mean it dosen't start to fall off ahead of that number.

While I agree....give it a try without first, I all buy assure you that a good sub and room EQ correction will improve it further.

My last system change was a move from 2 way speakers to 3 way speakers, from 42 Hz to 32ish Hz. For me, in my room I am very happy with my low end. But, I also agree with what you that adding a top notch sub adds to a system, but adding two subs is even better.
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post #6 of 8
1/12/10 at 11:40am
Thread Starter 
Unfortunately, my sub's crossover doesn't go below 50 Hz, and it has no EQ, so it likely won't fit the bill.
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post #7 of 8
1/15/10 at 12:53pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Rrolack View Post

ITo do this, I plan to split the preamp outputs, running one set from preamp>sub, and another set from preamp>amp>mains. My question is, since I'll be running one set of preamp outputs directly to the sub, do I also need to sure that the input impedance on the sub's amp is sufficiently high, relative to the preamp's output impedance?

Then the main amp input Z and the sub amp input Z are in parallel, so the total load seen by the preamp will still need to be sufficiently high.
http://www.1728.com/resistrs.htm
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post #8 of 8
1/16/10 at 4:27pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Rrolack View Post

Unfortunately, my sub's crossover doesn't go below 50 Hz, and it has no EQ, so it likely won't fit the bill.

I would still try it. The energy that a sub adds to the low-mid bass frequencies is cool even if your sub only goes down to 50hz. It won't cut it for movies but for music could work very well.
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