As its name suggest, a preamplifier is the component that goes “before” an amplifier in a hifi system. In a home audio system, a preamplifier serves two main functions. Firstly, a preamplifier usually serves as the main source selection and switching device, which you can connect your source devices such as a turntable or CD player into.
Next, a preamplifier boosts and controls the level of signal that is sent to either a power amplifier, or powered speakers (for example).
So, by controlling your source selection as well as the overall volume of your home audio system, a preamplifier effectively acts as the “brain” at the heart of your chain of audio devices.
Like any device in your home audio system, the addition of a high quality preamplifier can impart audible gains on the overall sound quality of your setup.
Because each preamplifier is essentially modestly “amplifying” an incoming signal to then pass on to an amplifier, the internal components and device each play a part on the overall quality of the sound received by your amplifiers and then sent to your speakers.
The addition of a particular preamplifier can help you tailor the overall sound of your home audio system to your listening preferences, or to best suit your speakers. A tube-based design such as the
The role of an amplifier in a home audio system is to provide an adequate amount of power to drive your passive speakers. A stereo power amplifier like the
A power amplifier needs to be paired with a preamplifier like the
Preamplifiers don’t usually have speaker binding posts to connect passive speakers, and nor do they provide the output power required to properly drive a pair of passive speakers.
A separate amplifier will be necessary to power a pair of passive speakers if you are planning on getting a preamplifier for your system.
One benefit of having a separate preamplifier and amplifier in your home audio system is that you can mix and match your components to better suit your needs in the future should you decide to add new speakers, or if you need different input and connectivity options.
If you are using powered or active speakers such as the
At Addicted To Audio we carry pre amplifiers from such famous audio brands as Yamaha. But we also carry an exciting range of superb amplifiers from some of the finest specialist brands in the world, such as Bryston, Burson Audio, MOON by Simaudio, Naim Audio, Schiit Audio, Peachtree Audio, Octave and Violectric. You may not be familiar with some of those brands, but they’ve got a quality experience in store for your ears.
There are two great ways to buy a pre amplifier. The best way for most people is at a quality retail outlet in your city. That way you can have a listen, try some out, see which of them feel like a good “fit” for you. Retailers are particularly good at helping you ensure that your purchase is fully compatible with the rest of your equipment. But if you’re confident that you already know what you want, consider purchasing your pre amplifier direct from us at Addicted To Audio. We are an authorised Australian reseller for all our products. We provide full service and after sales support. And we ship fast.
