WHAT IS A PREAMP? DO YOU NEED ONE IN YOUR SYSTEM?
PURPOSE OF PREAMPLIFIERS IN HOME AUDIO SETUPS
While many may argue that they are for an era gone by, adding an external preamp to your home stereo setup has a wealth of benefits. Their tonal qualities provide that "killer tone" that audiophiles sometimes refer to. Splitting up your amplification into multiple stages isn’t always the right answer for everyone, but a preamp’s tone control and a power amp’s muscles can be a fantastic combination if done right.
From vintage-flavored tube preamps to modern solid-state preamps, there’s a wide range of these systems available - but seeing the selection is moot if you’re unsure of their purpose. So we’re here to breakdown what a preamp is and why you may want one for your system!
WHAT IS A PREAMP?
The definition of a preamp will differ depending on who you ask. It’s sort of like asking someone to define “chair.” But in the realm of home audio gear, a preamp (short for preamplifier) largely refers to an electronic amplifier made to convert weak signals into output signals strong enough for further processing or for sending to a power amp and loudspeaker.
In this way, a preamp is simply the system that comes before an amplifier in an audio signal chain. It’s the first piece of equipment that comes after your playback device (like a turntable or CD player). And in a typical system, after that would come your amplifier and then your speakers.
WHAT IS THEIR PURPOSE?
The main purpose of a preamplifier is, in short, to add tonal qualities to the sound of your audio system. Plus, as the “amp” part in the name suggests, it strengthens low-level signals (improving the gain). Gain in this context refers to the amount your signal level is increased.
But an audio preamp can also provide incredible volume control, match the impedance, and convert from unbalanced to balanced. Thus it offers extra features and functions like gain control, equalization, and impedance matching. Most standard preamplifiers then have volume knobs, source selectors, and tone adjustment. They provide precise control over the bass, treble, and balance, and a few even come with a built-in graphic equalizer to allow you further control over that exact sound you’re looking for.
DO YOU NEED ONE?
Well, it depends on what you’re looking for. If you’re a beginner just dipping a toe into the home audio pool, then it’s probably best to stick with an integrated amplifier rather than a preamp / power amp combo system. And if you’re simply wanting a nice surround sound setup for a home theater system, a good receiver and some decent speakers will most likely get you the sound you’re after.
However, if you’re wanting greater control over the sound you want for your home audio system, or you’re looking to start building a high-quality rack system, then a preamp may be the way to go! Those features like tone control offer you far more freedom over your sound. Due to different impedance levels, a high-quality preamp can also sound better than a source plugged directly into an amplifier. Plus, thanks to vintage tube preamps, you can even add coloration to your signal, giving your music a nice “warm” tone that’s easy to get addicted to.
There are also several different types of preamps: you can get ones for microphones, instruments, and turntables. In an audio setup, pay particular attention to phono preamps as you may need one if you have a turntable. A phono preamp will convert the audio from phono to line, significantly boosting the signal to get it to a level similar to your other components. If you have a turntable, then you’ll either need an audio preamp, amp, or receiver with a “phono” input or a standalone phono preamp.
SUMMARY
Though the purpose of preamps can be tricky to understand when you first stumble upon them, it really just comes down to three key takeaways: a preamplifier amplifies weak electrical impulses, corrects tone balance, and switches seamlessly between sources separately or in combination.
If you are in the market for a preamp, be sure to know the type (such as phono vs stereo, tube vs. solid state) and the number of channels you need for your particular system. There’s a wide selection of preamps that exist, so checking for compatibility and matching gain/output voltage before you buy will help you out later on!
Here at SpenCertified, we understand that many people prefer separate components, so we make sure to offer a wide range of preamps and power amps. If you want to check those out, you can find them here and here. Thanks for reading! Have a great day.
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