Tannoy Westminster amp matching question.

Driving a 600 ohm load is an unusual task for most home audio preamps. We make the only tube preamps that can do it. There are a few solid state units too, but as you found out just because its a transistor unit does not mean it can drive this kind of load.

I think its important for a preamp to be able to drive such a load, but practically speaking it would be a lot easier for you if the amp was modified to have a more traditional input impedance. The way it is set up right now it kind of sounds like there is an expectation that it will be used with professional broadcast/recording studio gear. There is no reason why an amp like this can't have a 100K input impedance, which would increase your options quite a lot.

Wow, 600 ohms input -- what were they thinking?? Sometimes it's hard to tell whether such a wacky spec is real, or a result of "lost in translation". Based on your experiences, sounds like this one is real.

Preamps that will handle 600 ohms are very rare. I have no experience with Atmasphere's products, but from all indications I've seen, they'd be an excellent choice. Another route (as you learned with your Lyr) is to look for headphone amps with preamp functionality. I'd look for something tubed that doesn't use electrolytic output caps -- which are the typical way that cheap tube headphone amps handle the low impedance loads. I used to have original Eddie Current Zana Deux; it served very nicely as a preamp and had an output impedance of only 16 ohms (no remote, though).

To be honest though, it doesn't make much sense to go down a route you wouldn't otherwise, just for amps that are WAY off the beaten path. The Atmasphere may be a good option because it'll serve as a top flight preamp whether you stick with these amps or not.

Thanks for your ideas gents.

Ralph, financially I like the sound of modifying the input to present a different impedence. Is this a "difficult" thing to achieve ?? I know that's a nasty question given the lack of info.

Would both the mp1 and the mp3 drive this load well ??

I do know a very experienced, local tube guy who repairs/designs amps for the domestic and professional music industry here in NZ. Perhaps I'll get them over on his bench and he can have a look see.

I didn't consider modifying the input as I expected that there was a good reason for 600ohm implementation. Its good news that you think this can be done.

I certainly didn't expect it to have this much impact. I never considered input and output impedance previously. Its opened a whole new area for me :-).

I'm very grateful for your help, as always.

I'm in a similiar situation as Borg7x9. I have a brand new pair of Tannoy Westminster Royal SE sitting in the other room 'ampless'. I've recently sold (April) my SS amp and not yet replaced it. So, I have a short list: Wavac MD-805m, Audio Note Conquest Silver Signature (low gain), Viva Aurora T (845), LAMM 2.1 and Almarro A340. I am concerned with the power variance between these amplifiers (i.e., 18-55 watts) and my inability to actually hear these combinations. I'm running out of patience with myself leaning one way today, and another tomorrow. It's time to make an informed decision ... with your help.