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Pre-Amplifier

DO YOU NEED A PRE-AMPLIFIER, AND WHY?

distinction audio

For those in the midst of assembling a home audio system, one component that raises a lot of questions is the pre-amplifier. After all, if you already have a powerful amplifier and quality speakers, why do you need another piece of equipment? In a high-performance separates setup, a pre-amplifier plays a crucial role. It’s important to understand its function and what to look for when purchasing one.

Why do I need pre-amplifier?

As the name suggests, the pre-amplifier is the first stop for audio signal before it travels through the amplifier and into your speakers. In a home theatre system, the pre-amplifier performs two main functions: it handles switching between different line level sources and boosts the signal before sending it to the amplifier. A weak electrical signal becomes strong enough for additional processing, preventing noise and offering cleaner output.

If you have an receiver with an integrated preamp, you don’t need a dedicated pre-amplifier. However, many hi-hi enthusiasts prefer a separates setup with both a pre-amplifier and amplifier because this arrangement can deliver richer, fuller sound with minimal distortion. The higher gain and independent power supply per component provide the clean sound audiophiles crave.

Do you need a pre-amplifier? If you have several different sources to connect, such as a turntable, CD player or Network Audio player, then yes. The more sources you intend to connect, the more a pre-amplifier benefits you. It serves as the control centre for your audio players and provides proper signal routing, optimal performance and true audiophile sound.

To achieve sonic perfection, choose a pre-amplifier that offers the best performance to suit your needs, focusing on how the engineering and features of each component adds to the sound of your home theatre.

The Distinction Audio range of pre-amplifiers for sale online

Audiolab

The Audiolab’s range blurs the barriers between hi-fi and lifestyle, bringing all of the legacy that makes audiolab equipment the preferred choice of connoisseurs all in one package.

Dan D’Agostino

Dan D’Agostino’s name is synonymous with high-end audio amplifiers. The Dan D’Agostino Momentum have been called two of the best pieces of audio equipment ever made.

Gryphon Audio

Nearly a decade ago, the Gryphon Diablo gave the modest integrated amplifier a new lease on life. The Gryphon Diablo is being replaced with the Gryphon Diablo 300, which builds on the amplifier’s award-winning innovations and components. Each Gryphon product is designed solely to preserve the integrity of the input signal, with no subtractive or additive colourations. When it comes to determining the ultimate sound quality, the input signal must always be the only factor.

Magnat

Magnat has a long history of combining tube and transistor technology. German engineering at its finest, it offers a perfect balance of sound and performance.

Mastersound

Experience intense, enveloping sound from the Italian masters of sound, with great control and finesse with the Mastersound Dueventi Integrated Power Amplifier. While being true to Italy’s long-standing custom of producing goods by hand, the company’s end goal is to make tube amplifiers of the highest possible quality that can be found on the market.

Rotel

Since its inception in the 1950s, Rotel, a Japanese family business, has been designing, manufacturing, and shipping high-end audio equipment that is unmatched in terms of both performance and value. When it comes to performance, passion and value, Rotel’s 60 years of Japanese tradition are reflected in the Michi Pre-Amplifiers has excellent sound quality and is easy to use. It has an elegant industrial design.

Yamaha

Yamaha’s design philosophy is based on the idea that your Hi-Fi equipment should be able to convey the emotions of the artists. Yamaha uses an impressive array of the newest technology to make a pure musical sound.