I've used the k&k mini western for about ten years. Today, I use a K&K Fantastick under the saddle coupled with a Sunrise soundhole pickup. I use a stereo jack into a K&K stereo preamp. This set-up gives me great, natural sound. I like the k&k preamp because it provides an excellent impedance match to the pickup. That being said, I have had good luck into other acoustic preamps (I have a Sunrise SB1 and a Pickup the World), into my Acoustisonic Junior. If I want to go directly into a board, I need to ensure that the jack has at least 1 meg ohm resistance.