Often abbreviated to 'pre-amp'. An electronic device or circuit designed to amplify low-level signals to a level suitable for feeding into a power-amplifier. It is the job of the pre-amp to provide precise high quality amplification, and often filtering or other optimisation of the signal prior to further operations.

An electronic device used to match an input signal (such as that from a microphone or guitar pickup) to the input of a power amplifier. Often built in to mixing console channels as an initial stage, and generally has tone controls (EQ) to modify the signal.

The control amplifier featuring source switching , volume and signal processing circuitry.

to help overload the input-stages of the amplifier, a “pre-amp” can be used to generate extra gain. The pre-amp often acts as a tone control when used in conjunction with a main amplifier. It can also be used to boost the signal of an acoustic instrument when used with an amplifier.

Allows control of source inputs and signal processing

Or Pre-amp is a device that takes a source signal, such as from a turntable, tape-deck or CD player, and passes this signal on to a power-amplifier(s). The pre-amp may have a number of controls such as source selector switches, balance, volume and possibly tone-controls.

System control unit for volume, source selection, and more

The circuit that takes a small signal and amplifies it to be fed into the power amplifier for further amplification. Contains controls for volume, regulating tone, and channel balance.