3 best audio component preamplifiers
Audio component preamplifiers, often referred to simply as preamps, are critical components in audio systems.They serve several important functions in the context of audio equipment and home theater setups. Here's what you need to know about preamplifiers:
Signal Amplification:
- Preamplifiers are designed to amplify weak audio signals from various sources, such as turntables, CD players, or streaming devices.
- They provide the initial stage of amplification before the signal is sent to the power amplifier, ensuring that the signal is at an optimal level for further processing.
Input Selection:
- Many preamplifiers offer multiple input options, allowing you to connect various audio sources to your system.
- Common inputs include RCA, XLR, and digital inputs like USB or optical.
Tone Control:
- Some preamplifiers feature tone control options that allow you to adjust the bass, midrange, and treble frequencies to tailor the sound to your preference.
- These controls can help you fine-tune the audio to match the characteristics of your speakers or room acoustics.
Phono Preamp (Phonostage):
- A specific type of preamplifier known as a phono preamp is used to amplify the very low-level signal produced by a turntable's cartridge.
- Phono preamps are necessary because vinyl records store audio in a different format (analog) than modern digital sources.
Volume Control:
- Preamplifiers typically include volume controls to adjust the overall loudness of the audio signal.
- This control is essential for setting the desired listening level.
Remote Control:
- Many preamplifiers come with remote controls, allowing you to adjust settings from a distance for convenience.
Balanced vs. Unbalanced Connections:
- High-end preamplifiers may feature balanced XLR connections for improved noise rejection and audio quality, especially in professional audio setups.
Integration with Power Amplifiers:
- Preamplifiers are often paired with power amplifiers, which take the preamp's output and provide the necessary power to drive speakers.
- Together, the preamp and power amp make up the core of a traditional stereo or home theater audio system.
Home Theater Integration:
- In home theater systems, a preamp may also include surround sound processing and routing capabilities to manage audio for multiple speakers and channels.
Audio Quality:
- The quality of a preamplifier can significantly impact the overall audio quality of your system. High-quality preamps can provide cleaner, more accurate amplification.
In summary, audio component preamplifiers play a crucial role in audio systems by amplifying and controlling audio signals from various sources. They offer input selection, tone control, and volume adjustment, making them essential for achieving the desired sound quality in both stereo and home theater setups. The choice of preamp can significantly impact the overall audio experience.
Below you can find our editor's choice of the best audio component preamplifiers on the marketProduct description
This electronic preamplifier stands up to the test and will provide you with serious sound performance. The PP444 is perfect for bringing your studio equipment's phono-level output to a more suitable line-level output. It'll take your audio signal, amplify its strength and prepare it for further processing by your receiver or amplifier. Preamps technically provide voltage gain to your desired equipment and are key to assisting the signal source, whether it's a turntable, musical instrument or microphone. The ultra-low noise audio conditioning circuitry allows the preamp to boost audio to levels that are more manageable for various types of audio equipment. You'll find it easier to adjust the recording level volumes of different sources from microphones and instruments alike. You should position your preamp close to the source to reduce unwanted noise and interference. Preamps can sometimes come built into the stereo equipment, but if that's not the case, the PP444 is an easy install, wise choice and great addition to any musician or producer. Take your sounds and audio production skills to the next level with the PP444 Preamplifier. Features: Converts Phono Signals to Line Level Signals State-of-the-Art Circuitry Accommodates Magnetic Pickups Ultra-Low Noise Operation Improves Sound Performance Connects to Turntables and Other Studio Equipment Input Sensitivity: 3mV at 50K Ohms (Phono) Dedicated RCA and 1/4" Output Connectors Output: 2V max (P-P) at 10K Ohms DC 12-Volt Power Adapter Included Frequency Response: 20 Hz ~ 20 KHz ±2dB S/N Ratio (A-WTD): 70 dB - Output Level: 2V THD: 0.08% @ 1KHz and 3mV Input | S/N Ratio: 70dB Input Sensitivity/Impedance/Phono 3 mV/50K Ohms Load Impedance: 10K Ohms - Reference Voltage: 1V d Dimensions (W x H x D): 3.54" x 2.13" x 1.02" Sold as: Unit Weight: 0.85 lbs.
From the Manufacturer
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PP444 | PP555 | PP999 | PHE300 | PHE400 | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Turntable / Phono Pre-Amplifiers | Noise / Hum Eliminators | ||||
Jacks | RCA & 1/4'' | RCA & 1/4'' | RCA | 1/4'' TRS | 1/4'' TRS & XLR |
12V DC Adaptor | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
- CONVERTS PHONO SIGNALS: A turntable preamp that converts phono signals to Line Level Signals This state-of-the-art circuitry phono preamp can accommodate magnetic pickups with an input sensitivity of 3mV at 50K Ohms
- LOW NOISE OPERATION: Offers outstanding performance with it’s Low-Noise Audio Operational Amplifiers The output is 2V max (P-P) at 10K Ohms It’s better to position the preamp close to the source to reduce unwanted noise and interference
- CONNECTS TO TURNTABLES: Connect any turntable to modern sound equipment without specialized phono input for amplifying music For the receiver, this can be connected to speakers, computers, laptops and more
- SIMPLE PLUG & PLAY: This mini preamp has stereo RCA inputs and stereo RCA outputs Connect the turntable to the RCA inputs and ground Then, connect the amplifier receiver to the RCA outputs
- 1 YEAR WARRANTY: We guarantee this electric phono preamplifier with both a 30 day no hassle money back return policy and a 1 year manufacturer’s guarantee
User questions & answers
Question: | Does this thing have an/off switch or do you need to plug/unplug everytime you use it |
Answer: | no switch. You can plug/unplug, I leave it plugged in all the time. |
Question: | Unit works fine for awhile and then starts outputting static, even with no input connected. I've tried it with several amps with the same results |
Answer: | Most likely people who are having noise problems it is because of ground loop isolation problem. If you have a ground loop isolation problem grounding the preamp box is unlikely to help. Without getting technical, what you want to buy is a ground loop isolator or a humm eliminator; both the ground loop isolator and humm eliminator tackles the cause of the noise at the fundamental source of the problem, depending on your audio setup, one maybe easier to use than the other. To use the ground loop isolator or the humm eliminator they generally come with instructions, or you can google this topic. If the noise in your audio system isn't fixed by using this solution the first time, try putting the ground loop isolator and humm eliminator at various points in your audio system. Also you can talk to audio people and get advice about how to fix ground loop problems from people who setup big audio systems, for concerts and such; if you talk to the average electronic garage shop audio enthusiast you are likely to get bad advice, i.e., meaningless explanations. Also caution must be used when Googling this topic, much of the discussion, advice and explanation on this topic is bogus, you can get a general correct feel of this topic if you read a number of explanations. Also one more thing that can cause a "popping noise" is that you have too much gain, this is a phono amp and the gain is huge, it takes a 3mV and makes it 2Vp-p this is a gain of around 100 to 200, if you gain up the audio signal too much then the signal out of your amplifier runs out of head room and clips, this can cause a popping sound, essentially you have too much gain. If this is occurring you need to either buy a preamp with less gain or attenuate the signal before it gets to the preamp. If this is a problem, too much gain, you can buy preamps with gain control. |
Question: | My turntable has very quiet output. Will this device help boost the volume |
Answer: | Yes, indeed. If your need was like mine (no built-in pre-amp on the turntable and no specifically dedicated phono input on your amplifier) you will find this unit to be the perfect solution to needed amplification of the turntable's output. Don't forget to hook up the ground wire as directed or you may wind up putting unwanted noise into the audio. |
Question: | My amp DOES have a Phono Input, but my cartridges are low output. Can I use this to boost the signal using the Phono Input to reduce audible hiss |
Answer: | No, you can't. This is a phono preamp with RIAA playback equalization that amplifies the signal about 100 times, so it essentially does what your built-in phono preamp does. The output signal from the separate preamp is equalized to a nominally "flat" frequency response and the amplified signal level will overload and probably damage your built-in phono preamp. Plug it into any other stereo line input on your system (AUX, CD, DVD, TAPE, VCR, etc.), but NOT the PHONO input! If you need higher signal gain, maybe look at phono preamps from ART or TCC that have output level controls. If you use moving-coil (MC) cartridges, you need a preamp specifically designed for them...they require at least 55 dB (over 500 times) signal gain vs. about 40 dB (100 times) for moving-magnet (MM) cartridges. Noise becomes a critical issue with MC cartridges because of their extremely low signal output, so good-quality cables and good turntable grounding are essential. |
Product features
Pyle Phono Turntable Preamp Mini Electronic Audio Stereo Phonograph Preamplifier with RCA Input, RCA Output & Low Noise Operation Powered by 12 Volt DC Adapter
- Converts Phono Signals to Line Level Signals
- State-of-the-Art Circuitry Accommodates Magnetic Pickups
- Ultra-Low Noise Operation Improves Sound Performance
- Connects to Turntables and Other Studio Equipment
- Input Sensitivity: 3mV at 50K Ohms (Phono)
- Dedicated RCA and 1/4'' Output Connectors
- Output: 2V max (P-P) at 10K Ohms
- DC 12-Volt Power Adapter Included
- Frequency Response: 20 Hz ~ 20 KHz ±2dB
- S/N Ratio (A-WTD): 70 dB - Output Level: 2V
- Input Sensitivity/Impedance/Phono 3 mV / 50K Ohms
- Load Impedance: 10K Ohms - Reference Voltage: 1V d
- Dimensions (W x H x D): 3.54" x 2.13" x 1.02"
- DESIGN: OSD Audio’s Pre-1 is a unique preamplifier that accomplishes the subtle audio tasks that takes an ordinary audio source management to the next level.
- SOUND QUALITY: The Pre-1 assists in experiencing a true home theater surround sound. It allows the ear to hear every detail for an enhanced audio environment.
- POWER: A low frequency filter gives a response of 5Hz-30kHz +0 -3dB in order to have the ultimate powered preamp for a home recording or stereo system.
- CONTROLS: The front panel has adjustable mic level control, input selector, microphone jack output, and mute option. It controls the bass for midrange, treble, loudness and balance control.
- SIGNAL: A preamp is an important element for music recording to boost the low-level output on microphones. It provides a better recording signal compared to standard equipment.
User questions & answers
Question: | How would this work with a Carver M1.5 amplifier |
Answer: | Yes |
Question: | Can i hook it up 2 a Samsung vintage amplifier |
Answer: | Yes |
Question: | It is possible to amplify or equalizer the output earphones of one old tv to couple my yamaha r-s700 (3.5mm to rca connect |
Answer: | No |
Question: | What are the specs on this preamp? what is it's s.t.n.r. on the cd output and what is the t.h.d. percentage |
Answer: | Yes |
Product features
RECORDING
OSD Audio’s Pre-1 preamplifier delivers benefits to music recording by boosting the low-level output on microphones.
INPUTS
The OSD Audio preamp provides 4 selectable unbalanced analog RCA inputs: Phono, AUX1, AUX2, and CD/DVD with a ¼” Mic input jack on the front panel, featuring an adjustable mic level control.
KNOBS
The Pre-1’s other front panel variable control knobs feature 3 tone controls: Bass, Mid, and Treble, plus Balance, Master Volume, and Loudness Contour Knobs with Min to Max settings.
CONTROLS
Additional Pre-1 front panel controls include a Power Switch, Tape Loop, Mono/Stereo, Low Filter, and Mute Buttons.
OSD Audio Pre-1 High Definition Preamplifier
OSD Audio’s Pre-1 is a unique preamplifier that accomplishes the subtle audio tasks that takes an ordinary audio source management to the next level. A preamplifier is a low-level amplifier. It takes a line level signal and amplifies it enough to drive the power amplifier to its rated output. If an amp is receiving a signal at its rated output, it will perform better and your surround system will pick up detail you never thought possible.
Product description
The DJ PRE II (formerly named the "Phono MicroPRE") acts as an interface between your turntable and your audio recording / playback system. The analog input capacitance can be switched between 100pF and 200pF to optimize your phono cartridge response. A switchable low cut filter removes turntable rumble while leaving the audio pristine. The front gain trim control and signal/clip LED allow you to optimize the preamp's gain for a wide range of input sources. The built-in low noise phono preamp circuitry is highly accurate and precisely conforms to the RIAA standard. The line output jacks are low impedance and can be used with any sound card.
Housed in an all aluminum black anodized case, the DJ PRE II can be powered by a wide variety of external supplies. If you need to amplify and EQ your vinyl records to interface with your audio workstation, sound card, home stereo system or main monitor system, the DJ PRE II gives you flawless audio reproduction in a rugged and reliable package.
- Dual RCA-type inputs
- Dual RCA-type outputs
- Ground terminal
- Power: 12V DC (Adapter included)
- Dimensions: 1.75 H x 4.2 W x 3.5 inches D (44.5 x 107 x 89mm)
User questions & answers
Question: | Would a jensen jta-230 3 speed stereo turntable work with this |
Answer: | Hi, customers. Please press and hold the middle button for more than 5 seconds until the blue light of the button flashes, which is to restore the factory settings. |
Question: | does this unit have an on/off stwich |
Answer: | It is a plug-in power supply, to an electrical outlet, then to operate on a cell phone or computer. |
Question: | how do i know which capacitance option to use (100pf or 200pf |
Answer: | Cannot get it to work. Directions not in English. |
Question: | Is this what I need to plug an older turntable into a new receiver/amp that does not have a phono jack? When I plug in AUX, there is no sound |
Answer: | This is a USB power supply through the computer, laptop, and used for office, entertainment, learning a Sound Bar speaker, 6W power, clear sound, to meet the general needs of the game sound is a good choice, and it saves space, not messy desktop. |
Product features
DJPRE II
The DJ PRE II (formerly named the "Phono MicroPRE") acts as an interface between your turntable and your audio recording / playback system. The analog input capacitance can be switched between 100pF and 200pF to optimize your phono cartridge response. A switchable low cut filter removes turntable rumble while leaving the audio pristine. The front gain trim control and signal/clip LED allow you to optimize the preamp's gain for a wide range of input sources. The built-in low noise phono preamp circuitry is highly accurate and precisely conforms to the RIAA standard. The line output jacks are low impedance and can be used with any sound card.
Housed in an all aluminum black anodized case, the DJ PRE II can be powered by a wide variety of external supplies. If you need to amplify and EQ your vinyl records to interface with your audio workstation, sound card, home stereo system or main monitor system, the DJ PRE II gives you flawless audio reproduction in a rugged and reliable package.
ARTcessories
ARTcessories are taking the audio world by storm and quickly becoming a popular brand with musicians, DJs and studio engineers everywhere around the World. Split, combine, mix, power... you name it. On stage, in the studio, in your living room, they’re easy to use and are built to last. For those times when you need a little box to fix a big need or to make more out of a smaller project, ARTcessories has you covered. You’ll discover a robust line of useful tools which include a complete range of direct boxes, headphone amps, small mixers, mic cable combiner/splitters and much more. ARTcessories are designed to deliver affordable solutions for a multitude of audio needs for any size project.
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