preamplifier
noun
pre·am·pli·fi·er
(ˌ)prē-ˈam-plə-ˌfī(-ə)r 
: an amplifier designed to amplify extremely weak electrical signals before they are fed to additional amplifier circuits
Examples of preamplifier in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
The preamplifier handles source switching and volume control, allowing active speakers or a power amplifier to focus on the sound.
—
Mark Sparrow,
Forbes.com,
27 Jan. 2026
Even in a more sophisticated hi-fi separates setup, the preamplifier part of proceedings is still often handled out of sight, within the amplifier.
—
Simon Lucas,
Wired News,
30 Dec. 2025
Quad of England’s 303 amplifier and 33 preamplifier made a splash in 1967, the first solid-state gear from the company whose electrostatic loudspeaker, the ESL 57, is the most-significant and still-relevant audio component in history.
—
Robert Ross,
Robb Report,
26 Mar. 2025
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Mark Sparrow,
Forbes.com,
27 Jan. 2026
Even in a more sophisticated hi-fi separates setup, the preamplifier part of proceedings is still often handled out of sight, within the amplifier.
—
Simon Lucas,
Wired News,
30 Dec. 2025
Quad of England’s 303 amplifier and 33 preamplifier made a splash in 1967, the first solid-state gear from the company whose electrostatic loudspeaker, the ESL 57, is the most-significant and still-relevant audio component in history.
—
Robert Ross,
Robb Report,
26 Mar. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Preamplifier.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/preamplifier. Accessed 5 Jul. 2026.
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