Funadvice Logo
Explore Join
More Technology Questions

What does a pre-amp do?

I ordered a receiver and received a pre-amp with built in dvd. Can I hook it up to my stereo and what difference in sound does it make

Become an Expert →
Answer #1

A pre-amplifier takes the very small signals from your C.D. player, DVD player, etc. and amplifies it enough to drive a Power Amplifier. The Power Amplifier then connects to your loudspeakers. If you only received a Pre-amplifier then you will have to purchase a Power Amplifier.

I have built a number of amplifiers over the years and the last one I built, last year, was an Integrated one with exceptionally low distortion figures–lower than about any other Integrated Amplifier ever made–and an output power of 90W (RMS).

An Integrated amplifier has a pre-amp. and a Power Amp. in one (usually large) case. A Reciever will have a Radio included as well. It may also have a C.D. player as well.

Answer #2

pre-amp means you dont need a amp to power your speakers b/c it has a small one all ready. the pre-amp should have a power rating on it, and you can then see if you speakers will need more power(only happens with high end systems) to run them at med to high volume. so basic it mean more power to the speakers so higher volume levels the speaker will not cut out. but they may sound more distored b/c of the higher power at high (almost max) volume, but no has it that high.

More Like This
Ask an advisor one-on-one!
Advisor

Amped Wireless Setup

Technology, Networking, Internet Services

Advisor

Amped Wireless Setup

Technology, Networking, Internet

Advisor

setup.ampedwireless.com

Technology, Internet, Networking

Advisor

setup.ampedwireless.com

Technology, Internet, Networking

Advisor

CLX Gaming

Gaming PCs, Custom PC Builder, Prebuilt Gaming PCs