peavõimendid

Peavõimendid, often translated as "head amplifiers" or "pre-amplifiers," are electronic devices designed to increase the signal strength of a source before it is sent to a power amplifier. Their primary function is to boost low-level audio signals from sources such as turntables, microphones, or certain line-level instruments to a level that the main power amplifier can effectively handle. Without a peavõimendi, these weak signals might be too low to be amplified properly, leading to a weak or distorted output.

These devices are crucial in various audio setups, from professional recording studios to home stereo systems. In the case of turntables, a phono pre-amplifier (a specific type of peavõimendi) is essential because the signal from a phono cartridge is extremely weak and requires equalization according to the RIAA curve before it can be processed further. Similarly, microphones, especially dynamic and condenser types, produce a very low output signal that necessitates pre-amplification.

Peavõimendid are distinct from power amplifiers, which are responsible for delivering the final amplified signal to loudspeakers. A typical audio chain often consists of a source, a peavõimendi, and a power amplifier. Some integrated amplifiers combine the functions of a peavõimendi and a power amplifier into a single unit. The quality of a peavõimendi can significantly impact the overall sound fidelity, as it amplifies the signal at its earliest stage, making any noise or distortion introduced at this point more pronounced in the final output.