preamplifier

noun

pre·​am·​pli·​fi·​er (ˌ)prē-ˈam-plə-ˌfī(-ə)r How to pronounce preamplifier (audio)
: an amplifier designed to amplify extremely weak electrical signals before they are fed to additional amplifier circuits

Examples of preamplifier in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Balanced-bridge, dual-mono configuration is employed in all components, and both preamp and phono stage benefit from their power supplies being housed in a separate chassis, preventing interference with the sensitive phono and preamplifier circuits. Robert Ross, Robb Report, 26 Mar. 2025 The complete re-creation includes the power supply circuitry, a microphone preamplifier, a 10-second ramp generator as an alternate input signal source, and a meter display for comparing the input to the converter’s output, as indicated by a set of five neon lamps. IEEE Spectrum, 25 Jan. 2019 The original 33 preamplifier was launched when vinyl was the main source material and CDs were still 15 years away. Mark Sparrow, Forbes, 18 Oct. 2024 The new 33 preamplifier’s small size and shape reflects the original, but with more detailing. Mark Sparrow, Forbes, 18 Oct. 2024 The team at Cyrus has also been working on a brand-new phono preamplifier, which will be available later next year. Mark Sparrow, Forbes, 2 Oct. 2024 Now the company has announced an all-new ground-up design of an analog preamplifier. Mark Sparrow, Forbes, 4 May 2022 The signal from the receiver goes to a preamplifier, which filters out unwanted frequencies, and then is converted to DC and digitized. Kat Friedrich, Popular Mechanics, 6 June 2023 These audio amplifiers combine a preamplifier for boosting the sound signal and a power amplifier for driving the loudspeakers. IEEE Spectrum, 25 Feb. 2022

Word History

First Known Use

1934, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of preamplifier was in 1934

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Cite this Entry

“Preamplifier.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/preamplifier. Accessed 15 Apr. 2025.

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