Newbie question about AMP..

sunjai

Hi, I just wanna ask what is the diff with Preamps, Power Amps and Integrated..
Cuz I only have a A/V Receiver.....
Thx...

Dennis Gardner

Basic descriptions:
Preamps is the 1st amp stage that has the volume controller.
Power amps are the final stage of amplification that sends speaker level output.

A receiver has 3 sections -preamp (volume controller), power amp, and tuner
A Integrated has just 2-preamp, and power amp.

Simple, and not complete, but I hope it is enough........

dragon1952

But actually your A/V receiver has 4 sections.
Preamp - volume and tone controls + sends source signal on to power amp
Power amp - Amplifies signal enough to drive loudspeakers
Tuner- AM/FM radio
Surround Sound Processor- DD, DTS, DPL I and II decoders/processors, etc.

Do a Google search and you'll find a million explanations.

Zen Dragon

Sunjai:
I'll expand a little as I've got a minute. As Mr Gardner stated the volume control exists in the pre-amp stage. You could also consider it a conditioner and controller. It takes all the inputs from your various signal sources, CD, DVD, cassette, VCR, TV etc. It routes the appropriate selected device to the amplifier while maintaining isolation from any other sources that may be present. ( So if you switch from DVD to TV with both inputs running there is no crosstalk between souces.)
The amplifier is responsible for taking the input signal from the pre-amp and raising the power up to the level of desired sound from the speakers. Ideally the amplifier is going to produce an exact replica of the input signal, only at higher power.
In an itegrated system, such as your A/V receiver, the pre-amp and the amplifier are contained in the same case. Because some of the circuits in the case are used by the amplifier, and some by the pre-amp, and the power supplies are generally shared, most people agree that you get the highest quality if you use a separate pre-amp and amplifier with each unit only having one function, and all circuits within it dedicated to that single function.
There is nothing wrong with an integrated receiver, and many produce a wonderful sound if they are well designed. As you get into the higher dollar separate amp/pre-amp designs it is hard to beat the performance that you get from each unit being specifically designed for one function.
Sort of like buying a luxury sport sedan. You get the performance of a sport car, with the comfort of a luxurious ride. You won't be able to outperform a pure sports car, and you won't be quite as comfy as a top class luxury car. You have a pleasant working balance.

sunjai

thx for the reply with easy understand word.....
i just wanna know more about the performance from an AV recevier with separate unit....
like a denon 3806 "1-100"
and a separate unit "1-100"
......hope you guys understand my question..

mldennison

sunjai,
that is a little too general of a question. it all depends on what functions you need the processor section to do as well as your speakers and your budget. in general however:

seperates - more $$, need more space, more wiring, but produce better sound
receiver - all in one box, less money, less wiring, but usually not as good sound

there are some seperate componts that are worst than the denon 3806 and there are alot that are better, if you let us know what the rest of your setup is like, we could give you an idea if seperates are a good idea for you...

danger boy

sunjai wrote:

Hi, I just wanna ask what is the diff with Preamps, Power Amps and Integrated..
Cuz I only have a A/V Receiver.....
Thx...

pre amp - does all the audio and video switching and decoding it's one piece of gear

power amp. is just that is amplifies the pre amp audio signal to your speakers.

Integrated amp combines a pre amp and power amp in one box

receiver is all of the above plus a AM/FM tuner

sunjai

the following is the setup i've got so far....
polk CSi5
polk Rti38
Polk FXi5
"will go for RTi10 in the future for 7.1"
what I have now is an old receiver only support Pro Dolby...
my budget is MAX $1500
is that even enough for seperate unit???

danger boy

sunjai wrote:

the following is the setup i've got so far....
polk CSi5
polk Rti38
Polk FXi5
"will go for RTi10 in the future for 7.1"

very nice.. just add a subwoofer and you'll be all set.

enjoy!

mldennison

sunjai,
with your setup, i dont think you will get all that much better performance by going to seperates. you had mentioned the denon 3806 above, i have an older model of that receiver and like it very much. i think that it would power what you have very well. you can definately get that for under $1500, look at the specs for some of the older models in that series (3805, 3803) and see if you can live with those cause you will be able to get them for much cheaper.

you also say you are planning on rti10's in the future. i would think that when you do that, it would be a good time to try out an external amplifier as they would benefit the 10's very well. if you go with the denon, you can hook up an amplifier (via the preamp outputs) for as many channels as you need.

peteran

If you thinking Rti10 in future, then go separates.

Outlaw 970/7125 combo $1598.00
http://www.outlawaudio.com/products/index.html

Emotiva ultra lites combo $1098.00
http://www.av123.com/products_category_brand.php?section=processors&brand=42