Preamplificatori
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Preamplificatori
The preamplifier is the control center of a system with separate components. It receives signals from the sources, allows you to choose which one to listen to, adjusts the volume, and sends the signal to the power amplifier, which in turn drives the speakers. By itself, it doesn't move the speakers: it is therefore useful for those building a pre- and power amplifier system, for those using active speakers or power amplifiers integrated into the speakers, and for those who want to improve an existing system by entrusting signal management to a dedicated component. Since every source passes through it, a good hi-fi preamplifier affects the transparency, background silence, and sound imaging of the entire system.
Line preamplifier or with phono section
The line preamplifier accepts high-level signals: CD player, streamer, DAC, tuner. If you listen to vinyl, the cartridge's signal is much weaker and must be amplified and equalized according to the RIAA curve: therefore, you need a preamplifier with a built-in phono section or an external phono preamplifier. Check that the phono stage is suitable for your cartridge: moving magnets operate at higher levels, moving coil MCs require more gain and, often, load adjustment. If you're starting with a turntable, you'll find the basics in the guide on how to choose your first turntable.
Then there are preamplifiers with integrated DAC and digital inputs, convenient if most of your listening comes from streaming, computer or TV: a single box instead of separate preamplifiers and converters.
Inputs, outputs and balanced connection
- Balanced XLR inputs and outputs: The balanced connection reduces sensitivity to noise and is preferable when the pre and power amp are far away or if the power amp has XLR inputs.
- Multiple outputs: Two pre-outputs allow you to connect an active subwoofer or two bi-amped power amps.
- Home theater bypass: A fixed-gain input that allows you to integrate an audio-video processor without giving up your stereo system.
- Headphone output and tone controls: not essential for everyone, but very useful in everyday use.
Volume control, remote control and pairing with the amplifier
The volume control is the heart of the preamplifier, and manufacturers implement it in different ways: quality motorized potentiometers, relay-switched resistor networks, or dedicated integrated circuits. Each has its advantages in terms of channel precision and low-volume balance; what matters to you is smooth, silent, and remote-controlled adjustment. Also consider gain: a preamp with an output level and impedance compatible with the power amp lets you exploit the volume range effectively and avoids noise or drive limitations. You can choose between solid-state and tube preamps, and freely pair them with power amps of either technology. To decide whether the separate component route is right for you, read integrated, preamp + power amp, or receiver.
The preamplifiers you find with us
The selection of new preamps includes McIntosh, Accuphase, Primare, Luxman, Rotel, Pro-Ject, Musical Fidelity, SPL and Pass Labs, as well as Leben, Audio Analogue, Onkyo, LAiV, Exposure,Yamaha, Audiolab, Quad, Mark Levinson, Synthesis and Advance Paris. Among the most popular are the Advance Paris XP700, Rotel RC-1572 MKII, Pro-Ject Pre Box S2 Analogue, Musical Fidelity M6s PRE and Primare PRE35 DAC. To complete the chain look at the power amps to match.
Audiocostruzioni It's a hybrid store: in our showroom and listening room in Carpi (MO), you can listen to and compare preamps, even with your existing power amp, or order online from our website with shipping. For advice on matching preamps and power amps, email us; your current components can be traded in.
