If the design of the Calypso hasn’t changed significantly since Stereophile measured it in 2005, especially with respect to the value of its output coupling capacitor, neither it nor the Hovland is an ideal match for the Pass X350.5. Not so much because of distortion concerns, but primarily because of the deep bass rolloff and other sonic issues that are likely to result from the output impedance rise of both preamps to high values at 20 Hz. As Tony (Tls49) correctly emphasized.
It is of course always possible that a non-ideal match might be subjectively preferable in a given situation, depending on listener preference, and especially if the non-ideality works in the direction of compensating for an issue elsewhere in the system or the room. But why take a chance by introducing a known and predictable issue into the system? It’s usually best to address the root cause of any issues that may be present, rather than trying to compensate for them.
Regards,
-- Al
It is of course always possible that a non-ideal match might be subjectively preferable in a given situation, depending on listener preference, and especially if the non-ideality works in the direction of compensating for an issue elsewhere in the system or the room. But why take a chance by introducing a known and predictable issue into the system? It’s usually best to address the root cause of any issues that may be present, rather than trying to compensate for them.
Regards,
-- Al