QuestionHello Wayne,
you have done an excellent job of answering my questions in the past, so I ask for your help one more time. I have older audio equipment specifically Cambridge Audio and HK Integrated amplifiers. I have always been interested in Preamplifier but have no Idea what they do. Will having one improve the sound of my equipment? I am thinking a good used one is makes any sense.
AnswerYour typical receiver has one built into it. The input stage goes to the pre-amp, the preamp feeds the power amp (usually built into the receiver), and the power amp outputs to the speakers
Here's the definition from Wikipedia.org:
"In general, the function of a preamp is to amplify a low-level signal to line-level. A list of common low-level signal sources would include a pickup, microphone, turntable or other transducer. Equalization and tone control may also be applied.
In a home audio system, the term 'preamplifier' may sometimes be used to describe equipment which merely switches between different line level sources and applies a volume control, so that no actual amplification may be involved. In an audio system, the second amplifier is typically a power amplifier (power amp). The preamplifier provides voltage gain (about: 10millivolts to 1volt) but no significant current gain. The power amplifier provides the higher current necessary to drive loudspeakers."
As far as one "improving" your sound, that falls squarely in the realm of personal preference. There are good and not so good pre-amps on the market. Be extremely careful heading down this road, however. There's a lot of BS surrounding a lot of the "audiophile" gear on the market, and some people waste thousands of dollars on audio myths and pseudo-science. My personal recommendation is to find out what professional engineers use, and go that direction.
If you decide to look for one, don't let salesmen "steer" you one way or another. Stay within your budget and look at features, and above all, trust your own ears.
