Ranking the best preamps for 2022

Buying a preamp may not be necessary for ordinary consumers, but for professionals and music connoisseurs, it will help to enjoy the sound to the maximum. The preamplifier gives an unusual coloring to the sound. It is important to know some technical parameters in order to avoid mistakes when choosing. In the article, we will consider recommendations on how to choose the right model for the price, what types of preamps are, and how much each model costs.

Description and characteristics

Sound processing, especially in the professional field, can be time-consuming and require additional equipment. Preamplifiers, which combine several functions, will greatly simplify the work with sound.

Modern preamps help transform the sound several times, make it clearer and more voluminous. It is a separate device that will eliminate room resonance, noise and other sound distortions. It can also boost a low signal, clean it up, and pass the already improved version to the system output.

Consider what types of devices are, their classiness and technical parameters necessary for comfortable work.

Kinds:

1. Instrumental. Combines many useful features. Automatically can change ranges and gain. It has a high input impedance and a high common mode rejection ratio.
2. Microphone. Assume amplification to a linear level of the signal from the microphone. Contribute to minimizing distortion of the original sound, reduce noise. Not suitable for working with tools.
3. Universal. Combine in itself 2 operating modes tool and microphone. They are more expensive, but they perform more functions.

Classes:

1. A class A preamplifier provides minimal signal distortion, but at the same time it has a high quiescent current, so it heats up quickly enough. They have the simplest design.
2. Class B preamps are noticeably less susceptible to heat. The principle of operation is also simple.
3. The class AB preamplifier is considered a compromise of the two previous types.
4. The Class C preamplifier is the most efficient, but has poor linearity. The efficiency is about 80%, but gives a slight sound distortion.
5. Class D preamplifier or so-called PWM amplifiers. They are non-linear two-channel impulse models.
6. Preamplifier F have an efficiency of almost 90%.
7. The G preamplifier is an upgraded class AB model. When a signal is available, automatically switches from one power line to another.
8. The I preamp has several sets of output accessories.
9. Preamplifier S has an efficiency of almost 100%. Similar in operation to class D, but more advanced.

Criterias of choice

Tips on what to look for when buying:

1. Input/output voltage. The input power directly depends on the type of device that is included in the preamplifier. The output voltage must not be less than the input.
2. Harmonic coefficient and linearity in the audio range. When choosing between semiconductor and tube, you need to consider the features of each type. Tubes give good sound, but their signal-to-noise ratio is worse than solid-state ones.
3. The best manufacturers. When choosing which company is better to buy, look at how long the company has been on the market, what technologies it uses, as well as consumer reviews and guarantees that the company gives for its products. Models from a domestic manufacturer are somewhat cheaper, and are not inferior in quality and performance to foreign counterparts.
4. Where could I buy. You can buy this type of equipment in a specialized store, or order online in an online store. Be sure to compare the cost of each model and the main technical indicators before buying. If you purchase for personal (home) purposes, you can choose budget options that will provide comfortable sound in a car or in an apartment.
5. Price. Inexpensive options can be purchased in the price range from 10,000 rubles.Of course, professional, studio models will cost more, from 300,000 to 2,000,000 rubles. Be sure to pay attention to functionality.
6. Additional functionality. Models with automatic sound processing, with software and a remote control will cost a little more than standard models, but at the same time make it easier to work with the device.

Rating of quality preamps for 2022

The rating includes the best preamps, according to buyers. The popularity of models, review and consumer reviews were taken as the basis.

Best Inexpensive Preamps

Emotiva PT-100

The model complete with a convenient remote control, a convenient modern display and a built-in power supply allow you to work on the device for a long time with maximum convenience. There is also a digital tuner. The front of the device has a headphone jack, 0.35 cm in size. Average price: 36,990 rubles.

• built-in DAC;
• connects to a computer;
• digital tuner.

• inconvenient interface (few buttons on the panel itself).

Description	Characteristics
Channels (pcs)	2
Frequency range	5 - 50000 Hz (+/-0.04 dB)
Phono stage	yes, MM, MC
Instrument dimensions (cm)	43.2x6.7x31.8
Weight (kg)	4.08

YAMAHA WXC-50

The device contains the following functionality: Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, AirPlay, DLNA, Internet radio. For ease of use, a remote control is provided. It can work in several modes, including the player mode. Price: 35800 rubles.

• light weight;
• compact;
• works like a player.

• no balanced output;
• without tone control.

Description	Characteristics
Amplification channels (pcs)	2
Frequency range	0 - 80000 Hz (+0/-3 dB)
Harmonic coefficient (%)	0.003
Dimensions (length, height, width) (cm)	21.4x5.2x24.6
Weight (kg)	1.44

Dynavox TPR-43

Tube preamplifier. Country of origin: Germany. 1 year manufacturer's warranty. Available in 2 classic colors: gray and black. There are 6 line inputs and one RCA line output. Gain: MM - 40 dB, MC - 60 dB. Effectively receives the signal from the pickups. Price: 27900 rubles.

• optimal ratio of price and quality of work;
• manufacturer's warranty;

• lack of headphone connection.

Description	Characteristics
Channels (pcs)	2
Circuitry	lamp
Inputs / outputs	Line x5, Phono/PreAmp
Phono stage	yes, MM, MC
Dimensions (cm)	43.0x9.0x35.0 mm
Weight, kg)	3.5

Rotel RC-1572 black

A modern model with a tone control, you can connect an additional set of acoustics and Bluetooth. There is a built-in power supply, power consumption is 35 watts. Price: 81890 rubles.

• small-sized;
• with phono stage;
• provides high quality audio output.

• not identified.

Description	Characteristics
Channels (pcs)	2
Harmonic coefficient (%)	0.004
Phono stage	MM
Dimensions (cm)	43.1x9.9x33.8
Weight, kg)	7.4

BEHRINGER MIC500USB

Professional equipment for working with studio condenser microphones. However, it is suitable for any type of microphone, as well as for various musical instruments and other line level sources. Contains 16 original sounds, can be connected via PC. Price: 6390 rubles.

• several preamp modes;
• headphone jack;
• small cost.

• not identified.

Description	Characteristics
Type of	limiter
Circuitry	lamp
Gain	+26 to +60 dB
Dimensions (cm)	6.2x13.5x13.2
Weight, kg)	0.7

PRESONUS TubePre V2

A professional instrument with a dual servo (not capacitor) amplification stage, which allows you to improve sound quality without creating background noise. Can be used as a straight block for guitar and bass. Price: 5471 rubles.

• durable case;
• Class A preamplifier, XMAX;
• high pass filter.

• not identified.

Description	Characteristics
Type of	phantom power
Circuitry	lamp
Power requirement	+ 12V, 1000mA,
Dimensions (cm)	31.75 x 19.56 x 10.92
Weight, kg)	1.5

Gato Audio PRD-3

The device is characterized by a low noise level and a very accurate clock generator. A user-friendly interface makes it easy and simple to work with the device. Country of origin: Denmark. Warranty service period 1 year. No wireless connection provided. Price: 270,000 rubles.

• low power;
• low noise level of the analog part;
• famous manufacturer.

• no phono stage and no wireless connection.

Description	Characteristics
Signal to noise ratio (dB)	110
DAC	yes, 192 kHz/24 bit
Dimensions (cm)	32.5x10.5x42.0
Weight, kg)	7

Parasound Zpre3 black

Preamplifier, stereo. There is a through channel that works even when the device is turned off. A 12v output is provided for the turn-on trigger on the amplifier. Compact dimensions and light weight make it easy to move the device. Price: 51990 rubles.

• compact dimensions;
• user-friendly interface;
• price.

• not identified.

Description	Characteristics
Balance/tone adjustment	have/have
Display	there is
Reproducible frequency range	10 - 40000 Hz (+0/-0.5 dB)
Dimensions (cm)	22.0x5.1x25.4
Weight, kg)	1.8

The best premium preamps

Models in the price range above 300,000 rubles

Chord Electronics Ultima Pre black/nickel

This device contains dual mono technology, and two independent power supplies for both channels. On the rear panel there are 3 pairs of standard analog and balanced outputs. The LCD screen allows you to monitor the operation of the device at all levels. Average cost: 3,587,509 rubles.

• small sizes;
• control system smart home Triger;
• There is a headphone output on the front panel.

• price.

Indicators	Meaning
Possible frequency range (Hz)	2.5 - 200000
Signal to noise ratio (dB)	117
Parameters (mm)	480x350x355
Weight (kg)	30

Chord Electronics Prima

The preamplifier has a unique design and high technical characteristics. Allows you to record one audio source while listening to another. Comes with a remote control. Country of manufacture: UK. Cost: 582,971 rubles.

• with balance adjustment;
• user-friendly interface;
• improved audio processing.

• no DAC.

Indicators	Meaning
Balance adjustment	there is
Rack installation	there is
Parameters (mm)	335x65x170
Weight (kg)	8

Mastersound PHL5

Top class tube preamplifier with phono stage and remote control. The Italian brand has established itself as reliable, using only high-quality raw materials and innovative technologies. Cost: 617,900 rubles.

• deep, balanced soundstage;
• reliable body;
• verified manufacturer.

• not identified.

Indicators	Meaning
Minimum frequency (Hz)	1
Maximum frequency (Hz)	100000
Lamp model	3xESS82, 2xESS83
Parameters (mm)	120x420x390
Weight (kg)	9

YBA Genesis PRE5A

Preamplifier from a foreign manufacturer (France). There is a possibility of wireless Bluetooth connection. The power can be turned on and off at any time, this provides the best analog playback. There is one balanced audio input, 2 RCA. Cost: 449,000 rubles.

• remote control included;
• the ability to turn off the power of the entire digital section;
• ease of use with the front panel.

• there is no possibility to connect headphones on the front panel.

Indicators	Meaning
Audio DAC bit depth (bits)	24
Audio DAC sample rate, kHz	192
BNC input	there is
Parameters (mm)	115x430x388
Weight (kg)	10

SPL Director Mk2 black

The model has a built-in power supply, in standby mode consumes only 0.7 watts. In working condition, it also consumes little energy. Direct mode is provided. Inputs: coaxial x1, optical x1, linear x4, balanced x2, outputs: linear x2, PreAmp. Cost: 323,800 rubles.

• optimal price-quality ratio;
• small mass;
• consumes little electricity.

• not identified.

Indicators	Meaning
Reproducible frequency range (Hz)	10 - 200000
Signal to noise ratio (dB)	102.5
Dynamic Range (dB)	135
Parameters (mm)	278x100x330
Weight (g)	4550

NAD M12

The set comes with a remote control with a special training mode, a convenient display allows you to monitor all stages of the device.The presence of tone control, with a range of 10 dB, expands the capabilities of the device. Connectors on the front panel: USB Type A. Cost: 359,900 rubles.

• with tone control;
• user-friendly interface;
• AES/EBU digital balanced input.

• not identified.

Indicators	Meaning
Frequency response (Hz)	20 - 20000Hz (+/-0.3dB)
Signal to noise ratio (dB)	90
Channel Separation (dB)	70
Parameters (mm)	435x133x383
Weight (g)	14500

ANTHEM STR Preamplifier

Preamplifier, stereo, solid state, has 2 channels, phono stage (MM, MC), AES/EBU digital balanced input, and Anthem Room Correction function. Cost: 384,900 rubles.

• direct mode;
• optimal price;
• quality materials.

• not identified.

Indicators	Meaning
Frequencies (Hz)	10 - 80000 (+0/-0.1 dB)
Interfaces	RS-232, USB Type B, Ethernet RJ-45, external IR sensor
Availability of gold-plated connectors	in stock
Parameters (mm)	432x99x377
Weight (g)	7600

EAR 912

Tube preamp (5 x 7DJ8/PCC88 tubes). Inputs: line x3, balanced x2, Phono, outputs: line x1, balanced x1, PreAmp. Phono stage MM and MS. A user-friendly interface allows you to monitor each stage of the device. Cost: 1,121,096 rubles.

• phono stage;
• power supply built in;
• reliable manufacturer.

• price.

Indicators	Meaning
Range (Hz)	20 - 20000
Rack installation	there is
Parameters (mm)	483x133x267
Weight (g)	13200

Properly selected technical parameters of the device will allow you to avoid overpayments for unnecessary functions, greatly simplify the work with sound, and also allow you to enjoy the high quality of the output music.

The article examined which type of preamp is better to buy, what new products are on the market, and what parameters should be used to choose the right one. The presented rating will help you decide on the choice of device, and will tell you the price range of each model.