Amplifiers are devices that convert an input signal with low amplitude (power) into another signal with higher amplitude. This simple definition, however, does not bring out the real value of amplifiers. There are numerous types, each serving a different need. Optical amplifiers, electronic amplifiers and instrument amplifiers are some of these. The most ubiquitous of all is the audio (sound) amplifier. Speech and sound forms an important part of our day-to-day activities and is also integral to the world of entertainment in music, films and sport. The world of audio amplifiers includes many high-end models of various brands offering exceptional precision and quality of sound.
The current generation of integrated amplifiers make use of modern day electronics like transistors, FETs and MOSFETs. They began as vacuum tubes known as valves. Many of the older generation of music lovers still favour tube-based amplifiers for their rich valve sound, however, valves have long since been overtaken by transistors. Transistors became popular at the end of the 1960s. Today, the transistor-based amplifiers are able to meet some of the most complex sound needs, providing almost precise audio amplification.
In an audio playback chain, amplifiers are also used at the pre-amplification stage for equalization of sound, tone control, for mixing and for other special sound effects before the sound is finally amplified to a level high enough for driving loud speakers – the final stage in the chain. The initial stages in an audio playback chain can also be achieved using a CD player, a record player or other modern day entertainment electronics. Nowadays, record players and CD/DVD players give out flattened signals at line level. This has effectively taken out the need for a pre-amp stage: they are now only needed as volume control.
Today, audio amplifiers find applications in a number of home entertainment systems like CD/DVD players, record players, and home theatre receivers. Public address systems, theatres and concerts with the need for sound enhancement all use amplifiers. Another prevalent use of audio amplifiers is in car audio systems. In fact, the audio industry offers various car amplifiers, In-Dash receivers and preamps for car audio systems and music systems. Amplifiers make listening to music a more enriching and enjoyable experience and are crucial to effective entertainment.
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