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Purchase OSD Preamplifier, Phono Ready, Home Theater, Surround Sound, Recording - Pre-1
  • osd-preamplifier-preamp-pre1
  • Preamplifier

  • PRE-1 Preamplifier, Phono Ready, Home Theater, Surround Sound, Recording

  • $163.49
    Turntable Ready Mic Input Record Out
    • Adds a turntable, mic and tone controls to any power amp
    • Four RCA inputs plus front-panel mic jack
    • Bass, mid, treble, loudness and balance knobs
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Specifications

SKU
PRE-1
  • Input Sensitivity/Impedance
    • Mic 0.5V/600 Ohms 
    • Phono 3mV/47k Ohms 
    • Tape,Tuner, CD/DVD, Aux 150mV/47k Ohms 
  • Output Level/Impedance
    • Tape Rec 150mV/100k Ohms 
    • Pre Output 500mV/47k Ohms 
  • Total Harmonic Distortion
    • Mic less than 0.4% 
    • Phono less than 0.4% 
    • Tape,Tuner, CD/DVD, Aux less than 0.2% 
  • Signal to Noise Ratio:
    • Mic more than 50dB 
    • Phono more than 70dB 
    • Tape,Tuner, CD/DVD, Aux more than 80dB 
  • Frequency Response: 5Hz - 30kHz +0 -3dB 
  • Tone Control:
    • Bass ± 12dB @ 100Hz 
    • Midrange ± 6dB @ 1kHz 
    • Treble ± 12dB @ 10kHz 
  • Loudness Control: +4/0/+2dB @ 100/1k/10kHz 
  • Power Requirements: AC 120V 60Hz / 220V 50Hz 
  • Dimensions: 18.9" x 2.36" x 8.25"
  • Warranty: 2 Years

Description

A preamp is a key component to experiencing true home theater surround sound and a critical element to recording music, yet few people really understand the function a preamp plays. OSD Audio's Pre-1 is a unique and, yes, affordable preamplifier that accomplishes the subtle audio tasks that transform an ordinary home theater surround sound system into, 'wow, I hear every detail,' from a dog barking, to the whooshing blades of a helicopter. A preamp delivers similar benefits to music recording by boosting the low-level output on microphones. Because mics generally have a weak output, adding a preamp will deliver a better recording signal level verses simply plugging the mic into a computer and standard recording gear. Preamps do more than add volume, however. Like the home theater experience, a preamp in recording can finesse the subtle 'color' of sound by adding tonal quality. Let's start with what a preamp is and then we'll cover the attributes of OSD Audios' Preamp-1 so you can make the wisest buying choice.


What Is A Preamplifier and What Does It Do?

Simply put, a preamp is a separate processor within the audio command chain that accomplishes detailed audio tasks. A decent home theater will typically have one or more amplifiers and an AV receiver. While an AV receiver has amplifier power, power is not its primary function. An AV receiver 'receives' audio and video signals from a variety of sources (TV, DVD DRV, etc.) and routes the signals to the speakers. Power is where the amps kick, which supply the juice needed to move the signal with enough amperage so your surround sound speakers produce the best sound for which they are designed. That should be enough, right? Well, not exactly. The amp may add power, but it can be a bit of a clod because that's all it's doing is add power. (Okay, audiophiles, we know it does more, but let's keep it simple). Enter the preamp. A preamplifier is a low-level amplifier. What that means is that it takes a line level signal (that's the strength of an audio signal used to transmit analog sound between audio components such as CD and DVD players, television sets, audio amplifiers, and mixing consoles) and amplifies it enough to drive the power amplifier to its rated output. If an amp is receiving a signal at its rated output, it will perform better and your surround system will pick up detail you never thought possible. The same can be said in sound recording where an audio interface enhances the sonic capabilities of a computer. While an audio interface includes an internal preamp, an external preamp gives you more control over tonal quality.

Home Stereo/Home Recording Pre-Amplifier

OSD Audio Preamp-1 home stereo/home recording Pre-Amplifier is not shy on features, and we encourage you do research the specs. Our preamp provides four selectable unbalanced analog RCA inputs, Phono, AUX1, AUX2 and CD/DVD and a '' Mic input jack on the front panel with adjustable mic level control. Other front panel variable control knobs feature three tone controls: Bass, Mid and Treble, plus Balance, Master Volume and Loudness Contour Knobs with Min to Max settings. Additional front panel controls include Power Switch, Tape Loop, Mono/Stereo, Low Filter and Mute Buttons. We back this preamp with a 2-year warranty because the Preamp-1 Pre-Amplifier is as solid as it gets.

  • Mic Level Control
  • Bass/Midrange/Treble/Loudness/Balance Control
  • Microphone Jack Input
  • Input Selector
  • Low Frequency Filter
  • Mute
  • Frequency Response: 5Hz - 30kHz +0 -3dB
  • Phono Pre-Amp for moving magnet cartridges



Warning: California's Proposition 65
Warning:  

This product can expose you to chemicals, including vinyl chloride, which is known to the State of California to cause cancer. For more information, go to www.P65Warnings.ca.gov.

Reviews

Customers say

Generated by AI from 27 customer reviews

Customers say this preamp offers great value for the price, calling it an unbelievable component that works well with many low power amps. They also praise the build quality, noting they are impressed by its quality and performance at this price point.

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Questions & Answers

44 Questions asked

What's on your mind?

Kwadwo • 12/17/2019, 2:17:43 PM Hi, would I be able to use this pre-amp for the Bose F1 Model 812 PA speakers? If yes can a Bluetooth be added to the pre-amp? If no any suggestion?
Customer Service • 12/17/2019, 2:17:43 PM
Hi Kwadwo: Yes this will be compatible with your BOSE Fi Model 812 PA speaker. It would allow you up to four inputs, Phono, CD/DVD and 2 Aux inputs. You can add a independent Bluetooth Receiver. A good one will run you around $50 to $60.00. The Pre amp has a mic input but you would be better off using the internal mic input. The Bose has a unbalanced pair of RCA's that will connect directly to the Pre One as your line 2 input. TL/4798
Steven Voet • 12/17/2019, 2:17:43 PM Hey there, I'm going to try this question again since the answer to my first attempt was a simple generic address and phone # for OSD. The Preamp-1 unit I purchased recently functions beautifully, and the price was amazing. However, I have an issue with the six smaller adjustment knobs. On the unit I received three of the knobs have rather thin white indicator marks, and the other three have indicator marks that are about three times as thick. The difference in appearance is noticeable from across the room. For such a nice looking piece of audio gear, the different looking knobs is aesthetically jarring. Here's the question: Is it possible to get three replacement knobs (either thin or thick indicator marks) so I can make the preamp look as good as it sounds. Thank you for your assistance.
Customer Service • 12/17/2019, 2:17:43 PM
Hi Steven: Contact Ed at ed@audiogeargroup, he is our general manager and should be able to help you. Send him a picture of your Pre One, he will try and find a unit that we could swap three knobs with. His number at the office: 562-697-2600 ext: 102 TL/4801
Joe Smith • 12/17/2019, 2:17:43 PM I would like to be able to occasionally use this as also a headphone amp at low to medium listening levels, in my office setup. Is there enough gain pushing cd or cassette signals to power efficient headhones (about 32 ohms) such as Sennheiser HD 518s, using a RCA-to-female mini adapter? Thanks, Joe Smith, Des Moines
Customer Service • 12/17/2019, 2:17:43 PM
Hi Joe: The Pre One does not have a Headphone Jack (the 1/2" connection on the front is for a Microphone input. Sorry about that Note: I requested a headphone jack on the original design but it would have delayed release while adding additional costs. We are working on a step up unit that will feature a IR remote as well as headphone out put with a 1.5V output compared to the 500mV currently found on original unit. TL/4837
Troy • 12/17/2019, 2:17:43 PM Is the center detent on the Loudness control "flat"? I understand turning it up towards max increases the bass and treble according the manual, but does the min setting decrease those frequencies? or is min the "flat" setting?
Customer Service • 12/17/2019, 2:17:43 PM
Hi Troy: If you look at the specs in the Owner's Manual you will notice `the Loudness is +4 or 2dB. Comparing that to the Bass, Treble and mid range knobs which ar +/- 12 db that tells me it is Flat at Minimum with no negative detent. TL/4896
John • 12/17/2019, 2:17:43 PM I have a Amp200 signal is coming from my pioneer sr-75. can I use the Preamp RCA out to hook into the Amp200 to allow it to filter out hissing or buzzing? wil I still be able to use the controls on the preamp? like bass, loudness, treble,Mid etc...
Customer Service • 12/17/2019, 2:17:43 PM
Hi John: The Pre amp would work perfectly between your Pioneer and the AMP200. The Pre amp provides more control of the signal to the AMP200 including Bass, Mid, Treble and Loudness controls. Good choice TL/4900