preamplifier

American  

[pree-am-pluh-fahy-er] / priˈæm pləˌfaɪ ər /

noun

1. a device in the amplifier circuit of a radio or phonograph that increases the strength of a weak signal for detection and further amplification.

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preamplifier British  

/ priːˈæmplɪˌfaɪə /

noun

1. Sometimes shortened to: preamp.  an electronic amplifier used to improve the signal-to-noise ratio of an electronic device. It boosts a low-level signal to an intermediate level before it is transmitted to the main amplifier

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Etymology

Origin of preamplifier

First recorded in 1930–35; pre- + amplifier

Compare meaning

How does preamplifier compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

• preamplifier vs. amplifier

Example Sentences

Diners who had aged out of late-night dance parties, like the ones where Mr. Murphy used to spin records, could drink a chilled Brouilly while listening to his favorite albums played through a vintage McIntosh preamplifier he’d bought on eBay.

From New York Times

For USB-based recording using older turntable systems without the headphone jack or line output, you’ll most likely need to include a separate phono preamplifier box to boost the audio signal as well.

From New York Times

When they closed more than 10 years ago, I was able to buy my vintage preamplifier and some mixing equipment at their online sale.

From New York Times

This past July, the room was dominated by a computer and a vocal preamplifier.

From The New Yorker

“Deadheads who are uploading stuff to archive.org are including every tape deck, every cable, every microphone, every preamplifier.”

From New York Times