Preamp Advice for my System

richmos OP

The Ref1000 monbocks are: 
" The input impedance was to specification at low and middle frequencies, at 200k ohms balanced and 100k ohms unbalanced. These figures dropped to 160k and 58k ohms at 20kHz, respectively, but these are still usefully high input impedances."

 This is great for high'ish output impedance tube preamps, even for passives preamps, but! because the ref1000's are very low input sensitivity "3V", passives or unity gain preamps will only be great if your source can put out 3V or more
If you give me your source brand and model. I could help you out further.

Cheers George  

Georgehifi - My sources are Marantz SA-15S1 SACD player and Music Hall MMf-7 turntable.

Georgehifi - My sources are Marantz SA-15S1 SACD player and Music Hall MMf-7 turntable.

Your SA-15S1 won't be 3 or more volts, more like 2v, and your phono stage probably won't give out 3 or more volts more like below 2v. So passives and unity gain active preamps are out of the question.

Then look for any active tube or solid state preamp you like the sound of. As with the BelCanto's high input impedance they will all be a good impedance matches.

Cheers George

I just added an EAR 868 to my system and I am very happy with it. Very musical. I did change the stock tubes to NOS RCA’s. 

It replaced an ARC Ref 1, and I like the upgrade. 

I have solid state monoblocks and feel the tubes in the preamp add a little air, space and sweetness.