preamplifiern.
/(ˌ)priːˈamplᵻfʌɪə/, U.S. /ˌpriˈæmpləˌfaɪər/ An amplifier designed to amplify a very weak signal (as from a microphone, pickup, etc.) and deliver it to another amplifier for further amplification.
ΘΚΠ
the world > physical sensation > hearing and noise > audibility > sound magnification or reproduction > [noun] > amplifier
power amplifier1920
buffer amplifier1933
preamplifier1934
amp1945
power amp1947
logarithmic amplifier1954
preamp1955
head1968
1934 Frederick (Maryland) Post 16 July 1/4 A delightful organ recital..transmitted by microphone without the aid of a pre-amplifier.
1965 Wireless World July 33 (advt.) Transistor A.C. Microvoltmeter... Ideal as an oscilloscope preamplifier as it has a low noise level, low microphony, no hum and is independent of a mains supply.
1991 What Hi-Fi? Oct. 86/2 The low level pre-amplifier circuit has been augmented by a ‘direct’ switch, which bypasses the bass, treble and even balance controls to provide a purer and more direct signal path and improved sound quality.
2003 Electronics World Jan. 38/2 Former hi-fi amplifiers included a phono input. Now though, phono preamplifiers are rare.
This entry has been updated (OED Third Edition, March 2007; most recently modified version published online March 2022).
<
n.1934