Preamplifiers
CATEGORY: Hi Fi
BRAND: AudioQuest
While the original DragonFly defined the market for micro-DACs, its USB power draw made it compatible with computers only. Music lovers have craved a more portable version—one that could be reliably used with Apple and Android smartphones and tablets. We’re...
CATEGORY: Hi Fi
BRAND: Pro-Ject
Digital micro preamplifier with MQA and DSD512 support A performance revolution in a small package! Pre Box S2 Digital marks a new era for our S-series components. For the very first time we are using a dual mono configuration with...
CATEGORY: Hi Fi
BRAND: Pro-Ject
Phono pre-amplifier with line in and wireless Bluetooth streaming output Our entry level phono stage has been highly requested by the aspiring and rising audiophile. After the big success of our VT-E BT we decided to create a phono preamplifier...
CATEGORY: Hi Fi
BRAND: Pro-Ject
Premium class phono preamplifier with MM & MC capability Phono Box DS2 is a highly adjustable phono preamplifier suitable for all common MM and MC cartridges. With the ability to switch easily between input impedance and capacitance, as well as...
CATEGORY: Hi Fi
BRAND: Pro-Ject
Tube Box S2 is our very first product to feature a fully discreet circuit design without using any operational amplifiers (OpAmps). It also is the first product to come with replaceable tubes for tube rolling and sound-shaping. This gives the...
CATEGORY: Hi Fi
BRAND: Rotel
LIMITED TIME OFFER - Buy any Rotel 15 Series pre & power amplifier combo, and get two free IsoTek Sequel power cables or a free Pro-Ject Audio Debut RecordMaster Turntable in Walnut! Eligible models - RB-1552, 2 x RB-1581, RB-1582,...
CATEGORY: Hi Fi
BRAND: Creek Audio
Creek Audio has always been a fan of the vinyl disc. For those consumers who have an interest in enjoying this alternative source of high quality music, there are few amplifiers available today equipped to deal with this as standard....
CATEGORY: Hi Fi
BRAND: Pro-Ject
LIMITED HOT OFFER! - Buy any Ortofon Quintet cartridge and get 50% off the Pro-Ject Phono Box S2! - Enquire to place order Phono Box S2 - setting new standards for entry-level phono stages! Phono Box S was one of...
CATEGORY: Hi Fi
BRAND: Pro-Ject
Audiophile pre-amplifier with 3 line inputs and remote control! Pre Box S2 Analogue features three line level inputs, two pairs of RCA sockets as well as one separate 3.5 millimeter input. Three individual analogue signals can be passed on to...
CATEGORY: Hi Fi
BRAND: AudioLab
With the 8300CD at its core, Audiolab's latest model, the 8300CDQ offers the same levels of detail, transparency and dynamic range. It is both an exceptional CD player and a top-class external DAC/digital preamp, able to make the most of...
CATEGORY: Hi Fi
BRAND: PrimaLuna
Features: Dare to Compare AC OFFSET KILLER - A PRIMALUNA EXCLUSIVE DiaLogue Premium is about goose bumps. The ones you get when music comes out of a background so quiet, you may say to yourself “Just how is this...
CATEGORY: Hi Fi
BRAND: Rotel
LIMITED TIME OFFER - Buy any Rotel 15 Series pre & power amplifier combo, and get two free IsoTek Sequel power cables or a free Pro-Ject Audio Debut RecordMaster Turntable in Walnut! Eligible models - RB-1552, 2 x RB-1581, RB-1582,...
CATEGORY: Hi Fi
BRAND: Perreaux
The Audiant DP32 is a USB DAC preamplifier equipped with a 32-bit digital to analogue converter (DAC), fully balanced analogue audio circuits and ample input options – featuring AES/EBU digital input and balanced XLR analogue input along with asynchronous 24-bit/192kHz USB...
CATEGORY: Hi Fi
BRAND: Electrocompaniet
With the renewed international enthusiasm for the vinyl format, a world-class phono preamplifier or RIAA stage is more important in a reference setup than ever before. The ECP-2 has become a new favourite of reviewers and enthusiasts alike. A benchmark...
CATEGORY: Hi Fi
BRAND: Cayin
Designed and tuned in Germany The remote-control Cayin CS-6LA has two pairs of stereo outputs for bi-amp configurations. The rectification of the voltage supply of the four Russian 12AU7EHs used in the linear amplification is provided by two NOS US...
CATEGORY: Hi Fi
BRAND: Electrocompaniet
High performance, fully balanced Integrated Amplifier The Electrocompaniet ECI 3 is a DC coupled high performance, fully balanced, remote controlled integrated stereo amplifier, with six inputs: CD balanced, balanced output plus single ended tape output. The ECI 3 is equipped...
CATEGORY: Hi Fi
BRAND: Electrocompaniet
For more than 40 years, the name Electrocompaniet har been synonymous with great sounding power amplifiers. Numerous prestigious international awards, top ranking reviews and the number of professional users relying on the quality of Electrocompaniet is proof of this. Since...
CATEGORY: Hi Fi
BRAND: Creek Audio
With modern amplifiers expected to cater for so many new source devices, the Phono capability, once very common, is one of those built-in features that has disappeared in recent times. The engineering team at Creek Audio has always loved the...
Preamplifiers
You have a lot of decisions to make when choosing an amplifier. One of the first and most important of these is to decide if you’re going to go with an integrated amp, or purchase separate a preamplifier and power amplifier. An integrated amp (or receiver) does the job of both a preamplifier (which accepts the source connections and allows for controls), and a power amplifier (which does the heaving lifting of amplifying the signal for your speakers). But when you split these two components up, a lot of really cool things can start happening.
A preamplifier processes the signal from your audio source, turning a low-voltage, high-impedance signal susceptible to signal degradation, into a higher-voltage, low-impedance signal. This process is known as gain (a number you’ll see on preamp specs and controls). The preamp then sends this output to the power amplifier.
A jump in sound quality is the first thing you’ll notice when you’re using a separate preamplifier. There are a couple of reasons for this, which we’ll explain here (don’t worry, we’re only going to get mildly technical, stick with us). See, a drawback of integrated amps is that the two functions they’re simultaneously performing can actually contradict each other, because taking care of the inputs uses delicate and low voltage circuitry, while the actual amplification requires higher voltage and currents. An integrated amp has to pull double duty, and a lot of the circuitry for the preamp has to work around the power amp section. But with independent pre and power amplifiers, the internals of each can be laid out in the best way possible for performing its single task. Signal paths are shorter, and components can be placed where they need to be. It takes out all the compromise of an integrated amp and gives you pure, glorious sound in return.
Preamps also have controls that a power amp doesn’t provide, like volume control and input selection, and most also have controls for balance, tone, and a headphone jack. Some also come with a remote control, so keep an eye out for that if it’s important to you.
Be sure to match your preamplifier and power amplifier carefully. The timbres produced by both preamplifier and power amplifier need to be carefully matched to ensure the optimum sound quality and performance. Give us a call or shoot us an email if you have any questions, and we’ll be happy to help you pick the perfect preamp. And remember that we’ve got you covered with the best prices and free shipping every day.
Toll-free: 1300 308 711
Email: sales@aussiehifi.com.au
Address: 557 Old Cleveland Road, Camp Hill, 4152, QLD