Amplifiers & Preamps

An integrated amplifier, which contains a pre-amplifier and a power amplifier in the same box, provides significantly better sound quality than a receiver but generally not as good quality as a...

A power amplifier combined with a separate pre-amplifier generally provides the best possible sound quality in a stereo system, and the separate components provide a flexible upgrade path.

A pre-amplifier combined with a separate power amplifier generally provides the best possible sound quality in a stereo system, and the separate components provide a more flexible upgrade path. A...

The life of a pro audio power amp can be prolonged extensively with periodic cleaning. Units with fans are particularly vulnerable to collecting dirt and grime internally, especially if the pro...

One of the most common failures in vacuum tubes is the development of microphonic properties. This occurs when the tube begins to act as an antenna and introduce stray sounds into the circuit,...

Replacing vacuum tubes in an amplifier is a relatively easy task. Although a mystique has grown about tubes in recent years, they used to be common items found in drugstores and corner shops....

When a guitar amplifier speaker blows, not only does it sound bad, but it can also damage the guitar amplifier. Speaker impedance, or load, changes when the amplifier is damaged, and this can...

Although the typical bass amplifier speaker is larger and more solid than those in guitar amps, they still blow. A bad bass amplifier speaker not only sounds terrible but also runs the risk of...

Every speaker cabinet eventually blows a speaker. Whether it stays in a practice room or gets hauled from gig to gig, something will weaken and given out. Not only will the speaker sound bad, but...

The key to any good sound system is the amplifier, which is either a separate unit or includes an AM/FM radio, possibly satellite radio or receiver. A common rule of thumb is the more powerful the...

An amplifier's basic purpose is to increase the frequency of the hertz produced by audio waves. There are many different types of amplifiers designed for specific purposes; however, the most...

Many guitar amp problems can be solved by simple troubleshooting. Even if the amp cannot be fixed, often once the problem is diagnosed, it can be worked around for the duration of a show. The key...

A power amp—amp is short for amplifier—comes a set of ratings. The series of numbers explains how the machine operates and what to expect. Read the rating to determine the fit of the amp with its...

Amps come in all shapes and sizes and they're designed differently for your special needs. There are acoustic amps, bass amps, small bedroom practice amps, combo amps and many more. Take some time...

Preamplifiers, more commonly known as "preamps," have become fairly simple devices allowing you to add rooms to a Surround Sound system, install peripherals such as microphones and turntables or...

If you play an "electric" instrument, you already know about the perils of non-functional instrument chords. There are always ones in a gear case or gig bag that buzz, pop, or just plain don't...

Audio amplifier kits amplify low-powered audio signals to a level suitable for audio speakers, the final phase of a typical audio chain. This is how a listener can appreciate sound quality....

There are many reasons to bridge an amplifier, the main one being to get more power to your speakers and produce a better quality sound. Basically, the process lets you combine the power output of...

Getting different tones on an electric guitar amplifier can be obtained by adjusting four basic settings: the volume, the gain, the equalization (EQ), and the reverberation. Your settings will...

Ask any guitarist and they will happily tell you that they are all about their custom tone. All guitarists have a specific make and model of guitar and guitar amp that they use to drive a specific...

Mixing down music is a complex art, full of subtleties and often dependant on individual tastes. This is a primer on different techniques to use when mixing down your music.

Older amplifiers will almost always develop an irritating hum over time. This happens when the microfarad capacitors dry out. The older microfarad capacitors were made out of paper that was soaked...

When you have a vintage piece of audio equipment, like a Fender Rhodes amplifier, eventually it will start to crackle or have static sound. Usually, when a Fender Rhodes Amplifier develops a...

Were you ever on the treadmill with the television on and you couldn't hear it, or something like that? Well, this is the perfect article for you. Anyways, this article shows you how to make your...

Believe it or not installing Fender pickups is not as daunting as it may seem. Fender has several kits available to allow you to simply remove the pick guard of your current ax and replace it...

Many times, an Mp3 file does not play at a desired volume. Fortunately, this is a very simple issue to fix--provided that you have the proper equipment to alter the file and the technical...

Saltwater fish tanks can be a beautiful piece of living art. One amazing feature of a self-sufficient tank is live rock. Live rock in saltwater fish tanks act as a natural filtration system, which...

Refrigerators are becoming more and more high-tech, just like everything else; however, there are still some repairs that the average homeowner can make, and parts that can be replaced by the...

The term "amplifier" is generally used to refer to the components that produce sound in musical (and audio) equipment. But to understand how amplifiers work, it is important to relate the process...

A public address system allows large audiences to receive amplified sounds from small groups such as bands, singers and speakers. Setting up a PA system is simple--send your sound one direction...

Small audio mixers are a great tool for anyone interested in audio production or anyone that does podcasts or internet radio. I'll show the easiest way to set up a small end mixer with a few easy...

In this world of iPods, CD changers, and other modern audio technology, it might seem illogical to take a step back in time and build a tube-type stereo amplifier for your home. The fact is that...

Steps to start in DJ industry and get the best Kit for your money

Follow this guide if you'd like to use your line 6 TonePort on a Vista machine.

A pre-amplifier, or preamp, takes electrical current from a transducer and increases its voltage gain to a higher level. A transducer could be an audio device such as a microphone, a guitar pickup...

Most main speakers are unable to handle the response to deliver sound waves at bottom low frequencies. Therefore leaving this to the home audio subwoofers to send the frequencies to the...

So...you want to adjust the pickups on your guitar! Well, you wouldn't be considering this undertaking if you were happy with the way your ax sounds and feels. Adjusting the pickups and pole...

Leasing a car is an attractive option for those who can't afford or don't want the hassles that come with buying a new vehicle. As with everything, however, there are pros and cons to the...

You're shopping for stereo equipment and all the terms have gotten confusing. Pre-amplifier, amplifier, tuner, receiver; what's what, and more importantly what do you need? While the terminology...

When people think about speakers, they don't usually think about magnets. Yet, magnets are exactly what make a speaker produce sound. Although it may sound bizarre, constructing a speaker from...

Musicians take their equipment seriously. One of the best features about bass amps that allow input connections is the ability to connect an MP3 player to the amp. This allows you to jam along...

The purpose in making a battery charger is to achieve a reusable energy source for portable devices. Solar-powered batteries are becoming more commonplace as energy prices increase and global...

A toggle switch allows musicians to produce varied sound from their amplifiers. Installing a single-throw toggle switch only requires a few simple steps.

Last week I purchased a new amp head. Unfortunately the only speaker cabinet I had was part of a combo amp. Being cheap I had to find a way to connect the two amps to the one cabinet.

An amp meter is a measuring device that measures electrical current between two points; typically through a wire. Current is created when there is an electromagnetic force (EMF) or voltage between...

Because of the increasing demand for out-of-production guitar pedals, some classic pedals are selling for hundreds of dollars. Many guitarists have chosen to build their own pedals. Not only is it...

Adding an RF linear amp to your HAM radio setup is a inexpensive way to increase your reception and broadcast ability. Unlike adding an antenna, which requires that you own or purchase the land on...

You've just purchased 440-watt speakers capable of a gust-busting 91 decibels, backed by a 440-watt four-channel amplifier. The only problem here is that you're a bit lacking in the wiring...

A PA system consists of mikes, speakers, AC cords and several other components. Learn more about the parts of a PA system from a multimedia technology expert in this free technology video.

When setting up a PA system, avoid placing the mike stand in front of the speakers in order to prevent unwanted feedback. Set up the PA mike and mixers with tips from a multimedia technology...