Which preamp has enough voltage to drive this power amp?

[Ankora]

Hello!
Is anybody using stereo power amps in their rigs? What are you using to get enough output voltage? I have read that I need to use something that outputs real line level signal, but what kind of preamp could do that? Could cheap Behringer preamp work? Could mic preamps and small mixers work? This is what is stated on the amp about input sensitivity.
Thanks!

 

[Wasnex]

Hello!
Is anybody using stereo power amps in their rigs? What are you using to get enough output voltage? I have read that I need to use something that outputs real line level signal, but what kind of preamp could do that? Could cheap Behringer preamp work? Could mic preamps and small mixers work? This is what is stated on the amp about input sensitivity.
Thanks!

Input sensitivity is 0.775VRMS. That's not too bad. I means you need at least 0.775VRMS to drive the amp to full power, or the onset of clipping. So you want a preamp that can deliver a bit more than 0.775VRMS, so the preamp has a bit of headroom.

Check the specs of the preamps you are interested in. Many will list the output voltage. If the spec says Max Voltage it means exactly what it sounds like. Sometimes a spec will say Nominal Voltage. Nominal in this context usually means a certain value is required but the device can deliver more. So if the preamp can deliver 0.775V Nominal I believe you should be good to go.

If the preamp does not list output voltage, you will need to call the manufacturer and ask. Sometimes pedal preamps indicate they are designed to push a power amp, but output level is given. Better safe than sorry IMHO, so make the call.

One potential problem is specs can be given in different units of measurement. Here's a page where you can convert from one type of unit of measurement to another. dB dBu dBFS dBV to volts audio conversion digital - calculator volt to dBu and dBV dB mW SPL dB decibels 0 dBFS - convert dB volt normal decibels relatioship relation explanation analog audio absolute level true rms convertor converter decibel to dbfs converter calculation online attenuation loss gain ratio reference audio engineering sound recording dBFS dBVU 0 dB audio logarithm level converter peak to peak p-p impedance voltage pro consumer audio digital analog recording level - sengpielaudio Sengpiel Berlin

 

[Jim C]

That's about as low as they go which is awesome news if your pre has limited output like some of the older Ampeg tube rack pre's!
Chances are anything MI related will work just fine but as far as tech details follow the above.

 

[ctmullins]

Also, if your preamp has balanced output(s), but you attach it to your amp using unbalanced cables, then you’re throwing away half of your signal strength.

Balanced outputs can be either XLR or TRS (or both).

 

[40Hz]

If your preferred preamp doesn’t have sufficient signal to adequately drive your power amp, you can often make up for it by putting an inexpensive clean boost pedal right before the power amp input.

 

[BassmanPaul]

Using a pre with a stereo power amp is a normal thing for some players to do. Finding a pre-amp with the voltage output to drive your power amp is the trick. A small two channel mixer will do the job.