Using a Musical Fidelity Nuvistor Preamp/or an MF X-Pre100 as a headphone amp

[Sam Spade]

So I've tried to work this out myself, but I'm getting nowhere. And it might be a dumb question. My next stop will be a headphone forum, but this site is the pinnacle of realistic, evidence-based info and discussion on hifi. Full of very clever people. All flattery intended (and genuine)

I have two preamps, a Musical Fidelity X-Pre100 and the legendary MF Nuvista preamp. They are both awesome, but the Nuvista is next level. Feeding a Rotel RB1080 200wpc power amp driving some Dalisuite 3.5 towers. Possibly antique now, but I see a lot of live gigs and I when I listen at home never feel let down by this combo.

I'm also a headphone fan. Audeze LCD4, LCD3, LCDxc and LCDi3, Shure SE530, a Sparkos Aries/Chord Qutest combo, Musical Fidelity X-Cans, and a Burson Conductor 3x, and an AK SP1000m for portable use, AK70 for the gym and running.

So while I'm not short of amps to drive headphones, my questions are:
1) can I use the Nuvistor Pre to directly drive my headphones?
2) If yes, will I get a good result, or will it be a waste of time?

Note I've tried to chase up specs and work this out, but I studied biology, genetics and psychology at Uni, not physics, electronics and engineering. I'd love some more informed opinions. Plus I don't want to risk destroying the preamp or any headphones.

Cheers
Sam

 

[egellings]

Likelihood is that the nuvistor preamp will not drive the headphones adequately. Reason is that the preamp will have a high output impedance (>1K) and the 'phones will be low impedance (<100 ohms) The preamp will be loaded down excessively causing distortion and maybe too little output power. You need to add a tiny (1 watt or less) power amplifier.