Audio Amplifiers and Preamplifiers

Audio amplifiers and audio preamplifiers are units that amplify a sound signal, which is then sent to a speaker or another amplifier. Audio amplifiers and audio preamplifiers are used to strengthen an audio signal and make it available for more powerful amplification. An audio preamplifier usually detects a weak signal and strengthens it for further amplification.

Audio amplifiers and audio preamplifiers are used in conjunction to boost all of the audio inputs for an audio system. An audio preamplifier, or pre amp, amplifies a low-level signal from a high impedance device such as a microphone or instrument pick-up. Audio amplifiers and audio preamplifiers may also include devices that apply equalization and tone control to the signal. After pre-amplification, the signal is typically sent through a power amplifier, or amp, which provides the higher current necessary to drive the loudspeakers in an audio system.

Audio amplifiers and audio preamplifiers are composed of solid state devices such as transistors, field effect transistors (FET), and metal oxide semiconductor field effect transistor (MOSFET). Still, some homemade audio systems contain older model vacuum tubes. Tube-based amplifiers are chosen for the quality of sound they produce, but they are expensive to maintain.

Audio amplifiers and audio preamplifiers are important components for the proper functioning of all kinds of audio systems, including sound systems, public address systems, and even the sound card in a personal computer. An audio amplifier is typically specified for a system based on the balance of several parameters, such as gain, noise, distortion, and frequency response. Another special use for audio amplifiers and audio preamplifiers include voice amplification and processing. A voice amplifier is small device that helps amplify a person’s voice. Voice amplifiers are used by people with damaged vocal cords or diminished lung capacity to augment their voices, or by people who conduct tours and speak in public. A voice processor is a device used to integrate voice tracks into an audio system.

Pages: 1 - 3 of 309

Part Numbers for Audio Amplifiers and Preamplifiers