Low output impedance valve pre-amp recommendations?

Nyal Mellor

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Jan 27, 2014
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Hi, looking for the wise advice of the forum...I would like to try out some valve pre-amps driving ATC active speakers which are 10kOhm impedance, and take only balanced inputs. It seems like output transformers are pretty much mandatory. I've compiled a short list for your review:

- Modwright LS36.5
- BAT (the new ones with transformers)
- Coincident Statement Linestage
- Purity Audio Reference
- EAR 864 / 912

Any others you would recommend, and any personal experience?
 
are the ATCs balanced? the manley jumbo shrimp has an output impedance of just 91 ohms (single-ended) and states it can drive a load impedance down to 2500 ohms.

ps - oops, i just saw balanced only. manley's pro gear line may include a line level pre that does what you need. or you can short the neg and ground pin on the XLR and it should drive the ATC's input fine.
 
If this is just "an experiment" I would go with the Modwright. Less outlay up front, especially used, therefore easier to sell.
 
I've heard tales of the Atma-Sphere MP-1 preamplifier driving 32-ohm speakers. It has an output impedance of 30 ohms.

The less expensive MP-3 has an output impedance of 250 ohms. It will work just fine with a 10K ohm load. The MP-3 is the preamp I used back when I was an ATC dealer.

Or just give Ralph a call, 651-690-2246.

To the best of my knowledge, Atma-Sphere is among the few manufacturers of balanced high-end preamps that conform to the AES File 48 protocols for balanced audio gear.
 
conrad johnson GAT with rca to xlr adaptors.

will sound better than almost anything.
 
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