Latest Stereo Preamplifier Reviews

All Stereo Preamplifier Reviews

• Audio Research LS17 Preamp Reviewed
• Audio Research LS26 Preamplifier Reviewed
• Audio Research Reference 3 Preamplifier Reviewed
• Benchmark DAC 1 PRE Reviewed (USB DAC)
• Cary Audio SLP-05 Preamplifier Reviewed
• Cary Audio SLP-98L Preamplifier Reviewed
• Conrad Johnson CT5 Stereo Preamplifier Reviewed
• Conrad-Johnson Classic Preamplifier Reviewed
• Conrad-Johnson ET2 Preamplifier Reviewed
• Decware CSP2 Zen Triode Preamplifier Reviewed
• EAR EAR864 Preamp Reviewed
• Krell Evolution 202 Stereo Preamplifier Reviewed
• Krell Evolution 222 Preamplifier Reviewed
• Mark Levinson No. 326S Preamp Reviewed
• McIntosh Laboratories C-220 Stereo Preamplifier Reviewed
• Parasound Halo P3 Stereo Preamplifier Reviewed
• Parasound P7 7.1 Channel Analog Preamplifier Reviewed
• Quad Super System Reviewed
• Stereo Preamplifier Reviews & "Wiki" Information
• Sutherland Director and Ph.D preamp and phono stage

Stereo Preamplifier Wiki

1.0 What is an Audiophile Stereo Preamp?
2.0 Types of Stereo Preamps

2.1 Solid State Preamps
2.2 Tube Preamps
2.3 Digital Preamps (with DACs)

1.0 What is an Audiophile Stereo Preamp?
A stereo preamp is an audio component that receives and switches audio sources, usually in the analog domain, as the listener sees fit. An audio preamp also boosts the line level signal from a source component like an iPod or CD player to a level that a power amplifier can use to power speakers.

The idea of a separate amp and preamp became popular in the 1970s among audiophiles for performance (and vanity) reasons. The idea that each component would have its own power supply was common wisdom as to why a consumer should upgrade from a receiver. Audiophiles loved the idea of mixing and matching components to create different sonic flavors in their systems.

An integrated amplifier is a component with a stereo preamp and power amp in one chassis. The main difference between an integrated amp and a receiver is the lack of some sort of tuner.

The AV preamp, derived for the home theater and surround sound from the stereo preamp, has most of the features of an AV receiver without power amplification of any kind.

2.0 Types of Stereo Preamps

2.1 Solid State preamps
The solid state stereo preamp is the most common variety, using transistors mainly to boost the signal from line level to a voltage that a power amplifier likes. The solid state stereo preamp was the first to come to market with remote controls.

2.2 Tube Preamps
Another popular variety of stereo preamp is the tube preamp, which can use various levels of vacuum tubes to boost gain in an audio system. Most tube preamps today also come with remote control. A Tube preamp requires replacing the vacuum tubes periodically or the performance will suffer greatly. A solid state preamp is a more "set it and forget it" component, which some consumers like better.

2.3 Digital Preamps (with DACs)
A relatively new category of preamp is the digital preamp, which unlike tube preamps and solid state preamps can accept a digital audio signal from products like an iPod or a CD transport. The internal digital to analog converter converts the digital signal to analog and it is boosted from there for use by the power amp.