the tough question: Which preamplifier? and why

pv10 is 800 ohms and the Mac is 10Kohms so the 10 to 1 ratio applies...
Pops (System | Threads | Answers)

The numbers suggest this would be a bad match, and the other preamp with 200 ohm impedance would be a better match.

Does the PV10/Mac combo sound warmer than the other combo?

I am using ARC VTM120 SE and pair it to Lumley Reference LV1 preamp. I would like to upgrade my preamp and there are two choices that pop up:

1. EAR 868
2. Aesthetix Calypso

Which one is better? I am spinning LP12, with Moon LP5.3 RS and its dedicated power supply, Siltech LS188 speaker cable, Stealth Meta Carbon interconnect, Stealth PGS 3D interconnect, Siltech Octopus Reference power distributor, Ensemble Elysia speakers.

I listen to lots of classical musics, jazz, some pops. Thanks guys.

Tvad, it does sound warmer, richer, cleaner highs, better seperation, better tonality all around. This was not the case when these preamps were connected to a Classe amp which has an input impedance of 47K.

Pops, I would have expected you to say warmer and richer, but not cleaner highs.

Generally, high output impedance matched with low input impedance would result in a lack of bass definition and perhaps rolled off highs...thus a "warmer" presentation.

Tvad, I'm telling you it's bizzare, better bass definition and clearer, cleaner highs...what gives?

I've been looking for this and the texture I use to have and it was right under my nose. I don't think the premier 14 has it compared to the pv10. I've tried several cable combinations trying to get it back, put the pv10 in and whoa! there it is!