Gear & technology
Preamp
Also called preamplifier, pre, line stage
A preamp, or preamplifier, selects between sources, controls the volume and passes a line-level signal on to a power amplifier. In a separates system it is the control center; an integrated amplifier builds one in.
A pure line stage does little more than switch inputs and set volume, and the best ones aim to be inaudible. Many add a Phono stage for a turntable, a DAC for digital sources or a headphone output.
Separating the preamp from the power Amplifier keeps the delicate low-level circuitry away from the heat and large currents of the output stage, and lets each be upgraded on its own. Whether that is worth the extra box and cables is a long-running debate.
Where you’ll see this on tonistry.
- Browse every product in the Preamps category.