preamplifiers
Initial gain stages
Preamplifiers are electronic devices that boost weak audio signals before they reach a main amplifier.
A preamplifier prepares the signal—from a turntable, microphone, or instrument pickup—so it's strong enough for further processing without introducing noise.
In audio setups, the preamp handles initial gain and often tone controls: The turntable needs a phono preamplifier.
Positive return received
- inputData received for processing
- outputWhat something generates
- impedanceAC circuit opposition
- signal-to-noiseProportion of meaning to clutter
voltage · current · circuit · transistor · tube · solid-state · capacitor · resistor
Record player, informally
- turntableRotating music player
- cartridgeSealed container for supplies
- tonearmRecord player's stylus mount
- vinylSynthetic resin plastic
hi-fi · stereo · mono · equalization · RIAA · bass · treble · soundstage
Hollow cylindrical passage
- solid-stateUsing semiconductors, not tubes
- hybridThing of mixed parentage
- outboardExternal boat engine
- consoleComfort in distress
standalone · vintage · boutique · transformer · knob · potentiometer · XLR · RCA
gain
Positive return received
signal-to-noise · voltage · current · circuit · transistor · tube · solid-state · capacitor · resistor · feedback
phono
Record player, informally
- turntableRotating music player
- cartridgeSealed container for supplies
- tonearmRecord player's stylus mount
vinyl · hi-fi · stereo · mono · equalization · RIAA · bass · treble · soundstage · loudspeakers
tube
Hollow cylindrical passage
- solid-stateUsing semiconductors, not tubes
- hybridThing of mixed parentage
- outboardExternal boat engine
console · standalone · vintage · boutique · transformer · knob · potentiometer · XLR · RCA · balanced
- audio equipmentspeakers, microphone, headphones, subwoofer, subwoofers