preamplifier
Weak signal strengthener
A preamplifier is an electronic device that boosts a weak signal before it reaches the main amplifier.
In audio systems, a preamp strengthens the signal from a turntable, microphone, or instrument pickup to a level the power amplifier can work with: The guitar's signal runs through a preamp before hitting the amp.
Often shortened to preamp.
Positive return received
- inputData received for processing
- outputWhat something generates
- impedanceAC circuit opposition
- noiseUnwanted auditory disturbance
distortion · bandwidth · feedback · attenuation · signal-to-noise · headroom · clipping · saturation
Semiconductor signal switch
- capacitorCharge-storing circuit element
- resistorCurrent-limiting circuit element
- tubeHollow cylindrical passage
- circuitClosed electrical pathway
potentiometer · input · output · selector · attenuator · filter · knob · chassis
Record player, informally
- turntableRotating music player
- receiverOne who accepts transmission
- mixerCombines ingredients or people
- power ampFinal stage audio booster
DAC · tape loop · tone control · equalizer · stereo · channel · aux · source
State of being see-through
- clarityState of being understandable
- warmthHeat you feel
- colorationSurface hue arrangement
- neutralityState of taking sides
soundstage · imaging · detail · resolution · musicality · timbre · articulation · presence
gain
Positive return received
noise · distortion · bandwidth · feedback · attenuation · signal-to-noise · headroom · clipping · saturation · dynamic range
transistor
Semiconductor signal switch
- capacitorCharge-storing circuit element
- resistorCurrent-limiting circuit element
- tubeHollow cylindrical passage
circuit · potentiometer · input · output · selector · attenuator · filter · knob · chassis · jack
phono
Record player, informally
- turntableRotating music player
- receiverOne who accepts transmission
- mixerCombines ingredients or people
power amp · DAC · tape loop · tone control · equalizer · stereo · channel · aux · source · monitor
transparency
State of being see-through
- clarityState of being understandable
- warmthHeat you feel
- colorationSurface hue arrangement
neutrality · soundstage · imaging · detail · resolution · musicality · timbre · articulation · presence · depth
solid-state
Using semiconductors, not tubes
- audio equipmentspeakers, microphone, headphones, subwoofer, subwoofers
- vintage audiophonograph, gramophone, turntable, record player, reel-to-reel
- Amplifierspower amp, combo amp, bass amp, tube amp, guitar amp
- Hi-Fispeakers, turntable, headphones, stereo, hi-fi
- analog circuitstransistor, resistor, capacitor, inductor, diode
- detector electronicsdiscriminator, digitizer, comparator, integrator, noise filter