What are the differences between preamp, amp, and receiver?

Question

how do you define these?

Answer 1

Well, Lets see... A preamp prepares the audio signal for your amplifier. All of your external components connect to your preamp. Your preamp controls bass, treble, balance, volume and also determines which source will be amplified. Also in your preamp is all the electronics for decoding surround sound. In this case it is commonly called a PrePro. PrePro is an acronym for preamp/processor.

However, there are dedicated processors which have no function other than to decode surround sound. These are not so common anymore.

In any case no one will kill you if you call a preamp a processor or vice versa. BUT If you want to be safe and not get shunned by audiophiles. You should call it a PrePro if it has surround sound capabilities and a Preamp if it is only for 2 channel stereo music listening, these are typically used by the seriously discriminate listener.

After the preamp comes the amp.

The amplifier takes the signal from the Preamp/PrePro and amplifies it up to a level which can be used by the speakers.

They are usually 2 separate components(can sometimes be 3  or 4 if you have separate processors and tuners) that are connected together with cables just like those used for DVD players and CD players. These types of systems are commonly referred to as separates.

A receiver is preamp and amp all packaged into one enclosure with a radio tuner. You usually have 2 types of receivers. Home theater receivers which have the PrePro built in with the amp And stereo receivers which have only a 2 channel Preamp and no surround sound processing abilities. A receiver will always have a tuner. Preamps and PrePros do not always have a tuner but many times they do.

You may also see an Integrated amp. An integrated amp is basically the same thing as a receiver but it does not have a radio tuner ever. It also does not usually have surround sound processing abilities. It is essentially a stereo receiver without a tuner built in.

That is pretty much it in a nutshell. Each one has advantages and disadvantages over the other. Separates (preamps and amps) have long been associated with higher quality and also higher price tags. This is changing to some extent now days. Receivers are usually less expensive but sometimes don't offer the same performance. Very expensive receivers are now, in many cases as good if not better than some separate components. And you can also buy some pretty cheap poor performing separates. I hope this helps and does not confuse. I think I was confusing myself typing it. :-)

Answer 2

Simple, non-scientific explanation:

Pre-Amp (also known as a Control amplifier) is basically used for switching and volume control. In the case of AV systems, it useually has bult-in decoders - Dolby, DTS, etc.

If your source (DVD or CD player) has volume controlled outputs - you can bypass the pre-amp alltogether.

Amp - amplifies the signal, converts it into current, and drives the speakers.

Receiver - is Pre-Amp and Amp in one box.

Answer 3

Hi.In a music system,the recorded information is retrieved from the software, (Records,Compact Discs,Tape,Tuner.etc.)

converted to an electrical signal,and sent to the electronics.The electronics produce a larger copy of that signal ,and then send it to the speakers.The speakers convert the signal into the sound that you hear.

PRE-AMP.

From the Source Component (cd/dvd player, tuner, turntable,tape recorder,satellite ect.) the signal is sent to the Pre-Amp.The Pre-Amp is a component responsible for volume adjustment,input switching(choosing the Source Component you wish to use) ,tone control and balance adjustment and a gain stage.The Pre-Amp is the heart of the system and is more important than the Amp.Because the signal it passes is so small,any distortions it introduces are then amplified again by the main Amplifier.The best Pre-Amps have no tone and balance controls or filters,just a volume control. and source selection.This keeps the signal from degrading too much as it travels through less stages.These are usually more expensive than standard Pre-Amps.You pay more for less !

POWER AMPLIFIER (AMP.)

After the signal leaves the Pre-Amp,it arrives at the Power Amplifier (Amp.) Its job is to increase the small electrical signal it receives from the Pre-Amp.to a larger signal that will move the speakers back and forth with control and accuracy ,while not introducing any noise or distortions to the musical signal it receives from the Pre-Amp.It must amplify the full bandwidth of 10 octaves with complete linearity.It must not shift phase at any frequency and it must not amplify any harmnics more than others .

RECEIVER.

A Receiver is a component that has a Pre-Amp section, A Power Amplifier section and a Radio Tuner section all in the one unit. A Home Theater Receiver has a Pre-Amp/Processor section a Tuner section and 5 or more Power Amplifier sections all  in the one unit.The greatest comprimise in a Receiver is the use of a single power supply for all three sections (preamp,power amp, and tuner) The needs of the power amp section affect the preamp section,which degrades the sound. A Receiver does not have discrete components otherwise it would have three power supplies for each component. That is why they are called "sections." Because of having only one power supply, each section can use part of another section when needed.This keeps the cost of Receivers fairly inexpensive.But degrades the sound for the trade off.