Amplifiers

Home Audio Amplifiers: Boost Your Music in Volume and Quality

If you've ever felt frustrated by the poorly-powered speakers built into your wireless turntables, smartphone or another music-making device, you're not alone. The science of isolating sonic waves can be finicky, and it's not a practice that every electronic is able to undertake on its own. Instead of relying on low-budget tech, get help with expert AV signal collection with an audio amplifier from Abt.

Veteran vinyl lovers will recognize these boxy interfaces as a necessary part of any home record player setup, along with a pair of stereo speakers and a box of everyone's favorite albums. These devices work by intercepting the signal from a source, then boosting its gain and sending it along to the speakers. The result? Powerful, clear sound that you'll be able to groove to all day (or night) long.

Amplifiers vs Preamps vs Receivers: What's the Difference?

If you're new to the realm of AV, you might take a look at these and some similar components and start feeling stumped. Many look alike and serve a relatively similar purpose. But there are important differences: preamps, for example, are designed to boost the analog signal from certain sound sources (namely record players) before any data reaches the rest of your equipment. If you're not interested in buying both a preamp and audio amplifier, look for an integrated model with both abilities. Finally, there's the receiver. These devices can do everything above, and include a radio tuner as well. There are both stereo and AV versions of these receivers, so make sure you're picking out the right version for your set-up. (AV would be for home theaters, and stereo would generally be for speakers and music.)

Which One Is Right For Me?

That all depends on what you're going to use yours for. As a general rule, if you want the greatest sound quality, you should have both a separate preamp and audio amplifier. This goes double for anyone using analog inputs like microphones, electric guitars and other instruments. But if you tend to listen to music digitally or via CD, you'd do well with a classic integrated audio amplifier. You'll save some space on your shelves, too. If you want a true all-in-one device, then a stereo receiver is the best bet for your lifestyle.

Come To The Experts for Help

If you're still not sure which of these sonic quality boosters is the best device for your home and your music style, you're in the right place. Our team of AV experts has been helping folks to build their dream sound systems for years, whether that's a simple soundbar and subwoofer or a completely rebuilt speaker system inside their car. Wherever you listen, you'll have the best AV experience. Give our specialists a call at 800-860-3577 to hear more, or head into the store to see our gear in person. If you're hoping to do some research on receivers from home, check out our AV Receiver Buying Guide.