Whats a preamp? -nt-
Jun 15, 2002 at 11:32 PM Thread Starter Post #1 of 15
NotoriousBIG_PJ

NotoriousBIG_PJ

Step 1: Plug power cable into wall. Step 2: Plug other end of power cable into....umm.... Step 0.5: Order something to power with power cable.
Joined
Mar 12, 2002
Posts
3,487
Likes
22
-nt-
 
Jun 15, 2002 at 11:45 PM Post #2 of 15
It's a device that comes before the amp... PRE-amp.

Preamps give you volume controls, input selectors, and some boost the signal. If you're coming from the land of receivers, it can be hard to understand them since receivers are really a conglomeration of components:

Receiver = preamp + power amp + tuner

http://www.audiovideo101.com/diction...eamplifier.asp
 
Jun 16, 2002 at 12:29 AM Post #3 of 15
That has got to be the dumbest question I've ever heard.....

Just kidding! I asked that very same question in a different thread yesterday.

That's a great link you posted Nick Dangerous. Thanks!
 
Jun 16, 2002 at 1:54 AM Post #5 of 15
Nope. Volume knobs, selector buttons, and optionally a small power boost. That's about it.

I'm using a Creek OBH-12 passive preamp w/remote in my stereo system. Got it used for $195 and it works great! Just remember to keep the cables as short as possible when using a passive preamp.
 
Jun 16, 2002 at 2:33 AM Post #7 of 15
Quote:

Originally posted by andrzejpw
wait, so how does the signal get decoded from your dvd player?


You use a decoder/dac as a component that plugs into the preamp.
 
Jun 16, 2002 at 2:42 AM Post #9 of 15
Quote:

Originally posted by Nick Dangerous
It's a device that comes before the amp... PRE-amp.

Preamps give you volume controls, input selectors, and some boost the signal. If you're coming from the land of receivers, it can be hard to understand them since receivers are really a conglomeration of components:

Receiver = preamp + power amp + tuner

http://www.audiovideo101.com/diction...eamplifier.asp


Thanks for the reply, now for another question, why would a person need a preamp if they have a receiver or cd player? Note I'm not talking about using the preamp as an amp.
smily_headphones1.gif


Biggie.
 
Jun 16, 2002 at 3:13 AM Post #10 of 15
If they had a receiver, they wouldn't need a preamp.

Not all CD players have volume controls built in, so a preamp may be of use there. Active (powered) preamps are useful when a signal must be driven over long runs of cable.
 
Jun 17, 2002 at 2:56 AM Post #12 of 15
Quote:

Originally posted by andrzejpw
what about something like the outlaw 950?


The outlaw 950 is a pre/pro, that is--it's a combination preamp and processor. The preamp part does, as Nick said, the switching and volume control. The processor part does the decoding for dolby digital and dts as well as processing a few DSP modes and whatnot.

If this device also had an amplifier, you'd call it an "integrated amplifier."

If it had an amplifier AND a tuner, you'd call it a "receiver."

preamp - controls volume, switches sources
processor - decodes dolby digital/dts/etc, room simulation, etc.
amplifier - amplifies the signal to the speakers
tuner - picks up radio stations
preamp/processor (pre/pro) - preamp functions + processor functions
integrated amplifier - preamp + processor + amplifier
receiver - preamp + processor + amplifier + tuner
 
Jun 17, 2002 at 3:03 AM Post #14 of 15
andre

All things in balance.
smily_headphones1.gif
You know by now the advantages of good amps over cheap amps.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Users who are viewing this thread

Total: 2 (members: 0, guests: 2)
Back
Top