Yes, input impedance of the preamp matters as it mates with the output impedance of the source (MHDT Labs DAC). For more information read the info on the Burson Audio Buffer, which is a device designed to correct impedance mismatch. |
Tvad I am not sure at the moment. My preamp is a BAT VK5i. The Paradisea sounded just as you described. I was very sad to be honest because I was really looking forward to enjoying this dac especially with all the buzz about it. I borrowed a friends Muse Model 9 Signature Gen III while I had the Paradisea and never gave it back to him...lol. He preferred his Muse separate transport and dac over this player so it worked out for both of us :) |
Stereophile's test measuremets for the BAT VK-3iX state: "The unbalanced source impedance varied from 7k ohms at 20Hz to 1460 ohms at 1kHz and 2650 ohms at 20kHz, while the balanced figures ranged from a very high 14k ohms at 20Hz to 1850 ohms in the midband and above." 7k ohms would be too low for the MHDT Labs 800 ohms output impedance, and would likely result in weak bass performance. Of course, the test measurements may or may not correspond to your BAT preamp, but this gives you an idea. The Burson Buffer would correct the mismatch. Another option would be to try the MHDT Labs DAC into the BAT's balanced inputs using adapters. |
Different tubes in the Paradisea can have a major effect on the bass levels. I've found the Tung Sol NOS 5730 equivalent tube delivers a significantly fuller and more robust low end than the stock GE 5730 that the Paradisea comes with. The GE 5730 has more sparkle and resolution to the high end however. There are other tubes that might be tried as well. Do a google search on Paradisea tubes for info on how various people hear various tubes in the Paradisea. My Paradisea runs into an ARC sp16 preamp. Not sure of the impedance #s here but I do not find bass levels or definition to be an issue with this particular combo. |
Gotta love Google and Stereophile... From the Stereophile Test Measurements of their review of the SP-16L preamp and VS110 amplifier: ...the input impedance [of the SP-16L] was a moderately high 43k ohms over most of the band, this dropping to a still high 38k ohms at. 43k ohms is an input impedance spec that would indicate a good match with a component that has a high output impedance. Therefore, bass response (and treble response) would be extended and sound very good when mating the MHDT Labs DAC with the ARC SP-16L preamp. |
