what are pre outs

3 min read 23-12-2024

Pre outs, short for preamp outputs, are a crucial feature in many audio setups, particularly in car stereos and home audio systems. Understanding their function is key to unlocking superior sound quality and system expandability. This article will delve into what pre outs are, their purpose, and how they benefit your audio experience.

What are Preamp Outputs (Pre Outs)?

Preamp outputs are line-level signals that carry the audio signal before it's amplified by the main amplifier within your head unit or receiver. Think of them as a clean, unamplified copy of the audio coming from your source (e.g., CD player, radio, smartphone). Unlike speaker-level outputs, which send a high-powered signal directly to your speakers, pre outs offer a lower voltage, cleaner signal. This clean signal is ideal for sending to external amplifiers.

The Purpose of Pre Outs: Expanding Your Audio System

The primary purpose of pre outs is to allow you to connect external amplifiers to your audio system. This is essential for several reasons:

Improved Power and Clarity: External amplifiers generally offer significantly more power than the built-in amplifier in your head unit. This translates to louder volume and cleaner audio, especially at higher volumes where the built-in amplifier might distort.
Dedicated Amplification for Specific Speakers: Pre outs enable you to connect separate amplifiers to different speaker types (e.g., subwoofers, tweeters, mid-range). This allows for customized amplification tailored to the specific requirements of each speaker, resulting in a more balanced and accurate sound.
Upgrading Your Sound System: Pre outs are fundamental for upgrading your sound system. By connecting higher-quality external amplifiers, you can dramatically improve overall sound quality without replacing the entire head unit.
System Flexibility: Pre outs provide flexibility for adding components like subwoofers, equalizers, or other processing units to fine-tune your audio.

How Pre Outs Work: A Simple Explanation

The audio signal from your source travels to your head unit's preamp. The pre outs then tap into this preamp signal, creating a separate, unamplified copy. This signal is sent to the external amplifier, which boosts the power to drive your speakers. The head unit's built-in amplifier remains untouched, focusing on driving the built-in speakers, while the external amplifier handles the added speakers or subwoofers connected to the pre outs.

Types of Pre Outs and Their Connections

Most pre outs are RCA connections, characterized by their red and white connectors. These connectors are standard and widely compatible with various audio equipment. Some systems may also offer other types of connections. It's crucial to match your pre outs to the input type of your external amplifier.

Why Use Pre Outs? Benefits Summarized

Higher Power Output: Drive more speakers or larger speakers with cleaner sound.
Improved Sound Quality: Reduced distortion and clearer sound, especially at higher volumes.
System Expansion: Add components like subwoofers and equalizers.
Flexibility and Upgradability: Easily upgrade your audio system without replacing the head unit.
Better Control: Allows dedicated amplification for specific speaker types.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Pre Outs

Q: Do all head units have pre outs?

A: No, many basic or budget-friendly head units don't include pre outs. Pre outs are more common in higher-end models designed for audiophiles and system upgrades.

Q: What happens if I don't use pre outs?

A: If your head unit lacks pre outs and you want to add external amplifiers, you might need to use speaker-level converters to convert the high-level speaker signal to a low-level line signal compatible with external amplifiers. This can lead to some loss in sound quality.

Q: How many pre outs do I need?

A: The number of pre outs you need depends on how many external amplifiers you intend to use. One pre out per external amplifier is generally needed.

Conclusion: Unleash Your Audio Potential with Pre Outs

Pre outs are a vital feature for serious audio enthusiasts looking to expand and improve their sound system. By understanding their function and capabilities, you can build a truly customized and high-quality audio experience tailored to your preferences. Investing in a head unit with pre outs opens up a world of possibilities for upgrading and enhancing your sound.