What Is A Preamp? A Beginner’s Guide To Using Separates In Their Stereo System
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- Опубликовано: 9 дек 2021
- A short video explaining the role of the preamp in a stereo system for beginners and why I like to use a separate preamp and amplifier rather than an integrated amplifier.
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For YEARS I had the pre-amp / amp definition backwards! I have nothing but classic analog receivers like your Marantz. Thanks for the clear and excellent presentation.
Thank you for kind words and for watching!
The best explanation on youtube about pre-amp
Thanks a lot dude
Thank you!
Turn up your volume.
Thank you. I fixed the audio issue in my most recent video.
Still to low ,thanks.
Can’t hear you - I’m riding on a bus
Huh? 😂
I thought that was a pun. Boosting his levels through a preamp 🤣
Great video straight to the explanation
Thank you for watching!
Great intro. Very clearly explained!
Thank you for watching!
Explained real well and answered a few Q I had. Trying to figure out how the new system can be set up and the right amount of shelving needed to store all the equipment. Shelving and audio tables are expensive but a vital part of the equation. Thank you.
Thanks for watching!
Very good explanation, thank you!
Glad it was helpful!
@6:37 "Why do I bother having separate pre-amps and amps..."
Having separates will usually sound better than the all--in-one receiver box.
Of course, if you purchase an amazing receiver and you compare it to low-end separates that were not well engineered, then your receiver will sound better. But generally speaking, separates will almost always come out on top.
One of the reasons is that you get a power supply that is dedicated to each box -- and the power supply is key to the sound quality you will hear from that box.
A receiver can have a great power supply. But it is doing quadruple duty (or so). It is feeding the receiver's pre-amp, stereo amp, phono-amp (if it has one), and the tuner.
If you had four of those power supplies, then each one would be dedicated to one job.
When one part of a receiver pulls current from the power supply, it affects the other components within the receiver. When you have separates, then this is not an issue, and you will be rewarded with better sound quality.
Of course, having multiple boxes will cost more. The reward is a better listening experience.
There is more to this. But this video is a beginner's guide. But even beginners, I think, will benefit by knowing some basics about power supplies. They are important, and contribute significantly to the price of the gear.
Yes! All great points. Thank you for watching!
Yes, as mentioned, all great points. I can easily understand all of that.
Look forward to your video showing connecting an old school receiver ( pioneer sx950 ) to an amplifier, valuable preamp information
Thank you!
Very helpful! Thanks!
Thank you for watching!
Good review, thank you.
Thank you!
Good job man, thank you.
Thank you!
Best decision I ever made was to use analog separates from 1986, compared to modern digital receivers
Modern digital receivers have an abysmal power supply. They are falsly rated "120" wpc. In the real world they are about 30 wpc before they dive into double digit distortion. My old Carver receiver was a real 120+. wpc, as measured 20hz-20khz both channels driven, not at 1khz with one channel driven like modern AVR's.
I am setting up a Classe SSP-800, I will be using Rotel RMB-1095 5.1 for the first five channels and a RB-1090 2 channel for the fronts and stereo mode.
That sounds awesome, congrats!
I am now going to separates after my integrated Yamaha AX-930 died. I am getting a 'Crown Audio' XLI power amp, but have yet to decide on a preamp. Crown tech support suggested getting a 'Soundcraft' mixer (Notepad 8 or 5) to use as a preamp. Both the mixer and the power amp have RCA, and XLR connectivity. Reasonable option?
My signal source for now would be from PC with 1/8" out (from mobo) to 1/4" input on the mixer (headphone jacks). So, what do you think of balanced vs. unbalanced signal? My listening priorities are music, gaming, and movies in that order. Many pre-amps do not have balanced outputs, and the mixer is fairly affordable.
New to your channel...Great info...Thanks
Thanks for the sub!
I just bought a used Emotiva A-100 amp which I hooked up to my Marantz 2030. To me it sounds more detailed with punchy precise bass.
Thanks for sharing! I love Emotiva.
And is it also more musical and relaxing .......?
I've been using a music reference rm5mk3 for about thirty years besides having the sealed potts cleaned the same tubes it still sounds like new RIP Rodger Majeski.
A quality, separate preamp is crucial to good hifi reproduction. Your first stop on your journey to becoming an audiophile is to separate your power amp and your preamp. Amps get hot. Keep them away from your preamp. Secondly, keep things simple. You do not want excessive wiring in your preamp -- no tone controls (bass or treble), no - even if it is "free", no need for an mc/mm control if you do not listen to viny. Do not degrade the sound with excessive wiring. I learned this lesson back in the 90's when I started to purchase mid-high end equipment and I have stuck with it since. BTW there is nothing wrong with using a quality integrated amp as a preamp if it has preamp outs -- I am doing this with my Music Hall 15.3 integrated amp now and it sounds great.
Well done
Thank you for watching!
I was looking at going with the Cambridge Audio AXR100 receiver with phono stage and dab radio so this is an amplifier but then i realized it doesn't have pre out so i can't connect another amp for extra power. Ok. So i go look at the CXA81 amplifier, less powerful than the AXA100, it has no dab radio but does have pre out. So what do Cambridge expect me to connect to it for extra power on the cheap, because all their power amplifiers are extremely expensive ? I was looking for a way to have two cambridge audio amps to connect together for more powerful speakers. It really would have been nice to connect an AX series with a CX series ...... ???? Do they really expect me to buy an Evo then connect that to a CXA81. They don't go together !! And their power amps are stupid expensive. I like that they have a nice network streamer but why not allow their AX series to not have pre amp. Seems like they want us to pay thousands for power amps.
Ah, that makes sense. Way clearer now, thanks. One question: As of now, I use an Yamaha AV Receiver (150wpc) and even thought it does lots of stuff, I only use it for Stereo. So it has DAC, preamp, and amp, all in one. If I move to a Stereo Integrated Amp (Say Musical Fidelity, Lyngdorf, etc) - will it sounds better than using AV Receiver? Thanks
Personally, I prefer listening to music on integrated amps rather than AVRs. I’ve had both and the AVRs seem better for movies than music to me.
I was considering getting a preamp to connect to my tube amp. And I want to install the preamps so I can have the option of treble mid-range and bass adjustments my tube amp only has a volume control but it does have the individual cd, auxiliary one auxiliary 2 and phono connections
Very informative. Which unit the pre-amp or the amp do you believe colors the music more to give it it's actual sound signature? That's with tone controls set flat of course.
I think most people want to hear the sound signature of the amplifier they purchased and therefore try to match it with a preamp that's more neutral and will not color the sound further. A lot of people would rather not have a preamp at all and of course there is a healthy debate on whether a preamp should even offer tone controls. For some folks, the best sound is the one that avoids any extra electrical connections such as tone controls, etc. But of course, if you have a multiple sources and want to control volume, a preamp is required. Thanks for watching!
I managed to stumble up a Dynaco PAT-4 on my search for a pre-amp, which had become my most recent audio "cant live without" device.
Wow !! I am completely blown away by the overall
'life' it breathed into all aspects of the sound.
Unfortunately my system, like my life at the moment, is disheveled, and so I'm listening through some Sansui Bookshelfs that basically suck.
Building a system is journey, that's part of the fun!
Great job explaining this.
I'm still learning about this.
I have a couple/three questions, and yes, I might get shot down but keep in mind, I want to learn the details of all of this.
I understand the preamp; I understand the amp; I understand the receiver.
Here are the questions: what would be wrong with putting the receiver in the chain/line also, along with the preamp and the amp (separates) for even more fine tuning? I do understand that it would be doubling up the preamp and the amp but would it actually work? Could anything be gained? Could any of the electronics be damaged?
Maybe - the source (turntable), then the preamp, then the receiver, then the separate amp just before the speakers.
Anybody. What do you think? Disaster? Mess? Work well? Work really well?
Would, what would essentially be two preamps and two amps, work against each other?
Here's one more thought - if the receiver was put into the chain, the AM/FM radio could be used as well. With that setup, the amp could push the AM/FM signal to the speakers; the preamp would be on the other side of the receiver and not be in use.
I have an Onkyo AVR with a line-out for another separate connection with a powered amp. My intention is to buy a Vidar amp and connect it to that line-out on my Onkyo receiver? Is that possible or should I buy a Schiit pre-amp to hook it up to that line-out?? I appreciate your answer!
Hello , please i have a Denon integrated amp with a pre-out connection, which i will like to hook up to my vintage powered speakers . Please please can you give a demo on connecting from a conventional amp like your Marantz 220 pre out connection to an external source would be done
My old, vintage Pioneer receiver sounds fantastic to me, as does my low powered Reissong A-10 vacuum tube amp. I have to use a preamp, or is it considered a phono stage?, for the A-10 so I can connect the turntable. In future I’m looking to upgrade the preamp as I want to get a MC cartridge, and would like something for treble and bass control.
I’m rather new to the audiophile end of things after spending many years collecting records, and I’ve always used just a receiver and have never encountered any audio playback issues with sound that I can think of. I connected a turntable, and CD player w/o a DAC,, and it sounded just fine. I can’t help wondering if I’m doing something wrong.
Doesn’t sound to me like you’re doing anything wrong! It’s fun to upgrade components over time. I’ve have my eye on the A-10 as well.
@Forever Analog
How would a USB Audio Interface work in this setup? Thanks
why did most companies stop making pre amps with tone controls . my old set up was a carver M1 amp and a parasound pre amp with simple tone controls , which i could fine tune every piece of music i played . it was like having unlimited gear in one unit . just a quick twist of the treble and bass knobs and it was exactly how i wanted to hear that song .
I have QSC 1300 amplifier a mixer and 3-way Ashley crossover do I need or can add a pre amp.?
I have this small Chinese FX o3tube preamp buster i and like to set into my nad 3155 integrated amplifier who has main out and input . The FX have Input and output. Can you help. Thanks very much
I'm still confused because I have a graphic equalizer and want to hook it up to my stereo receiver. I'm not sure how to do this in order to have the FM radio sound hooked to the equalizer also. Now I've seen some videos where guys have pre-amp outs on their receivers and connect the equalizer in between, but I can't find any of these models on ebay. I have a Teac AG-75 stereo receiver. Can anyone suggest a piece of equipment that I can use to connect my equalizer where I can control the FM sound with the equalizer? Do I need a pre-amp to make this work?
Thanks!
You have the required tape loop. Use "Tape 2" "record" out to EQ in, then another cable EQ out to "Tape 2" "play" in. Then on the front turn "Rec Selector" knob to "Tape Dub"
If I'm wrong, just keep switching that cable pair and that knob. You'll get it & won't hurt anything by incorrect connection. 🔈🔉🔊
Can a preamp be added to an av reciver?
Full Range Volume Control.....................................
That's also what one gets from separates, provided the amp has channel gains. If one understands how the volume knob functions, one would understand the BIG advantage with a full range volume knob. 🔈🔉🔊
How would you go about hooking up an equalizer to pre amp and receiver ?...Input and output.
Great question - I unfortunately do not have an EQ in my system but I'm hoping to pick one up soon and make that exact video!
Nice looking audio furniture brand?
I always keep the balance knob dead in the middle. Aren't you suppressing parts of the music if you turn it left or right? Maybe if the recording is mono, but stereo?
having a tube amp i will want to give more power to it..., is possible that if i connected some kind of preamp?
I am no expert, but I am pretty sure that you want to match the output voltage of your preamp to the input voltage of your power amplifier. Make sure that your are feeding it enough undistorted power to allow it to produce it's potential output. However, an amp driven to it's max power will go into distortion on transients and peaks...so, the other optimization, is to find the most efficient speakers within your budget, space constrains and taste. This not only allows it to play louder but, more importantly, it gives it much more headroom at normal music levels, decreasing distortion, improving transients and dynamics. I ran 5 to 45Watt tube amps for years on 91-95 db speakers and, while enjoyable at low to medium levels, it wasn't until I went to seriously efficient speakers (Klispch, Electrovoice, Altec, Zu Audio, etc..) that they could play all kinds of music without obvious penalties to dynamics. A 90 db speaker will require 100 watts to play 103db, but a 100 db speaker will only need 10 watts to play at the same level. Tube amps tend to love high efficiency speakers.
Sure, if you need various inputs in your setup I can definitely see the use for a preamplifier. But the question I ask myself is: is it worth buying a preamplifier if you're only listening via one source (let's say a streamer transport) and you already have a stand-alone DAC? In fact, wouldn't there be a significant risk of that preamplifier coloring the sound from the DAC?
You can always use a preamp that doesn't color sound but I agree that if you don't need multiple inputs and volume control, then a preamp isn't required.
Question,I want to connect an amplifier to a vintage stereo receiver,there are numerous out ports such as phono,tape 1,tape 2 etc not being used,can an amplifier be connected to any out port
I wrote an article on my blog explaining how to make these connections. I can't link it here, but if you Google "how to use vintage receiver as a preamp", it will be the first article to appear.
Now I know. Thanks.
I’m new to the whole separates thing. I have an anthem pre amp so far. But the thing is, it has xlr outs and rca outs. How does that work? Do i need to use those?
XLR mainly will be found on more higher end processors and avr. It's a better connection it's balanced
Great explanation! But I’m wondering… Is it worth adding a preamp to an integrated amp or even a receiver? Thx
I've added preamps to vintage receivers when there is an issue in the preamp section that is causing noise or drop outs.
If I use my old Kenwood KR 9000 as a pre-amp , to use with my new modern tube amp , What should I use for volume control if the new amp and reciever has a volume control
The preamp will be your volume control.
Hi! Great video. I just have a question. Do you need an amplifier if you have powered speakers? Is it the same with all powered speakers or some could need an amp and some others don't?
Powered speakers, at least the ones I'm familiar with, do not require an amp as they have one built into the speaker themselves.
The audio quality of this video is a perfect example of why you need a preamp lol
I agree lol. Thankfully fixed it for future vids
For some reason amazon thinks preamp means "mini Bluetooth receiver 50×2 watts" or a preamp that's 3000$. Anyone have a recommendation on a 3.1 preamp?
That Emotiva BasX is horrible for music. I sold my BasX-A3. Denon X3700H was also bad.
Other amps I have and love: Arcam AVR5, Parasound 2125v2, NAD C298, Parasound Zonemaster 2.
Thanks for sharing and for watching!
I’ve got a pioneer pl255 do I need a pre amp receiver
Yes you need a phono input or an external phono preamp. If you look through my videos I have others showing how to connect a turntable.
I need a Pre-amp budget recommendation for a Turntable setup plz. The idea is to plug 2 Fosi V3 monoblock.
Check out the Douk audio T4 pro review on my channel
@@ForeverAnalog I will, ty sir! 👌🏻
@@ForeverAnalog ok, i did and I liked it, but I think I need to tell you more about my project so you can have the whole picture.
I’ve a Pro-ject Evo and a NAD Phono Preamp PP2. Like I said, the idea is to get 2 Fosi monoblock but I need some sort of “bridge” that allows me to also control the volume. I’m wondering if the Douk Audio ST-01 PRO would be a better option in this case. Thank you!
JUST BOUGHT THE MARANTZ T-SHIRT
Awesome thank you!!!!
The carver C2 preamp has a lot of cheap parts. It's not really worth upgrade, but the c-1 or c-4000 would make a fantastic pre amp once upgraded with 1% parts. My old C-2 sounded opaque/ murky on the then decent speakers of the day like Infinity reference and A/D/C.
I have a C2 as well, the time for these units have passed!
I want to hook up my nad 319 (125wpc, integrated amp) to b a pre amp and marantz 1150 (75wpc,integrated amp) to b a power amp. Is that ok ?
I am doing this because nad have remote control.
tnx
Both units have jumpers on the rear to separate so you should be fine!
What is the benefits exept remote control ? Is that nad 319 (using him like preamp) bring some sound benefit ?
tnx for your answers
So modern day receivers are basically a pre-amp/amp combo?
Yes and if they don’t have an AM FM tuner they are called integrated amps.
Jes
As are vintage receivers.
Is a preamp and a processor the same?
Sort of a random question, but is there a way to A/B switch two different amps into the preamp? I have a Sonos Amp (that I like for streaming TV and music), but would like to run a different Amp when using my turntable.
Good question - I use the Douk Audio One Little Bear Switch (check my channel video on how to use) for A/B'ing amps to different speakers, but I haven't figured out a way to do so for preamps.
@@ForeverAnalog I meant the amps - would I just put the LIttle Bear strip ahead of the preamp in the setup?
@@hb7030 the one little bear will connect two amps to set sets of speakers but each amp will need a preamp if you are using separates - if you have two integrated amps, you could connect them both to the one little bear and switch between them using the remote provided
@@ForeverAnalog Cool, that makes sense. The Sonos has an integrated preamp so I would just run the Sonos directly into the Little Bear and then run vinyl -> phono > preamp > amp > little bear on the other
Can you hook up a preamp to a AVR?
If the AVR has the pre/main connections as shown in this video, you should be able to
Interesting. I think my use case is different. My receiver doesn't have phono in so I was careful to get a turntable with a built-in preamp. As I got more into it I learned that built-in preamps aren't so great so I picked up a simple tube preamp and run just my turntable thru that and into the receiver. My other components all connect straight to the receiver.
Yep that’s the correct use for a receiver that doesn’t have phono input. I have a video on my channel showing also to how make that connection and suggest using an external phono preamp as well!
An integrated preamplifier has multiple sources. A preamplifier only has one input and one output and only offers a gain stage and a decent volume control...
Very well put, thank you!
0:00
I appreciate the effort, but I guess I still don't understand the benefit of adding a preamp between my computer and the amplifier when the amplifier already has the appropriate inputs. I don't need to switch inputs, and it already sounds pretty good to me with plenty of volume. So why should I spend money on a preamp?
I use my preamps to connect several sources ie turntable, Cd player, cassette deck, DAC and more but if you only have one source, I can understand why it would seem unnecessary. Thanks for watching!
Do you need a preamp if you just want to connect an old iPod and listen to it on earphones? Can you use directly a amplif. ? A second question, an equalizer needs an amplifier and if not can you use just an equalizer if you don t have to amplify the signal( like from an iPod )?
If you want to connect an old iPod only, you could connect it directly to an amplifier, just be careful of your volume settings on the iPod and amp to make sure you don't blow any speakers. I'm not sure I understand the equalizer question and honestly, I don't use any EQs in my systems so I'm probably not the best person to answer. Thanks for watching!
Information is great, audio needs work...meaning more amplification on your audio.
Yes thank you. This was an early video but I’ve since fixed it going forward!
The best method to connect all your audio equipments to a power amplifier is with a high quality professional multi channel mixing console or studio controller, with accurate built in level meters.
Yes, please.... redo your pres with greater sound for we viewers/listeners can hardly follow your dialog.
Bang for buck performance Singxer sa1 class A headphone amp with one preamp. For geeks that are glued to their phone pc or gaming..
just so you have to buy more cables
Someone needs to tell emotiva that a preamp doesn't have a DAC or a tuner.
Sound is extremely low and hard to hear, otherwise cool info.
Thanks. I had an issue with my microphone that I thankfully fixed on my most recent videos.
I can't hear you.
Yeah thank you I fixed my mic issue on future videos.
Your mic is really low FYI
Thanks. I fixed the issue on future videos!
you should add a preamp to your volume lol
Agreed. An early video I goofed up on. I fixed the audio on my newer vids so practice makes perfect I suppose 😂
When your voice is 600ohms
Yeah. Fixed the mic on future videos 🤣
This video could have used a preamp.
Yeah. Thankfully I fixed the mic issue on future videos!
Unnecessary overkill 😅
Whether it’s in one combined box, or two separate ones, matters very very little, generally speaking.
I've had success pairing different preamps and amps and obtained different sound signatures, which is why I like separates, but I understand some folks don't hear enough difference to matter. To each his own, I suppose! Thanks for watching!
This video needs a preamp. Can barely hear the guy talking
Yeah I noticed that too and upgraded my audio since this video was posted!
horrible
i stopped watching at the 3:00 mark, did he ever got around to speaking about the preamp?
Haha. I hear ya. This was one of my first videos ever produced and I’m still trying to get to the point a lot faster in my newer videos lol. Thanks for hanging in as long as you did!
@@ForeverAnalog i was just joking, it is a great video...and I stayed to the end!
All good here! It’s funny how when I turn the camera on I just keeeeeeep talking lol. I’ve gotten better in recent videos but it’s like time just stops when I press record ha!
Emotiva is junk
Interesting. I’ve really enjoyed my Emotiva products!
Preamp is a waste of money :)
One could argue all audio gear is a waste of money lol
Preamps are a waste of money huh, well obviously you don’t listen to music very often.
@@ForeverAnalog hahah. yeah, for example in Sennheiser HE 1, most of your money will go to the stones, not its audio parts ;)
@@Carl-bd1rf I'm listening to music since the year 76. A good amp with the pre amp IS the thing!
@@lev_anni
You’re not making any sense. You’re contradicting yourself, how is a preamp a waste of money then it is the thing?
Way to much talk about other stuff get to the point
Thank you for the feedback.