2. amps-preamps
  3. 177667-155632

Why do preamplifiers have so many capacitors?

Saw the inside of a preamplifier, a higher model, and it had 8 to 12 capacitors. I know they are used to store Power and may regulate impedance. Are they dedicated to individual segments of the frequency curve or is it simply storing all the power to power dynamic needs of an amp whenever it's needed.  And some capacitors were bigger than others.

jumia
noromance's avatar
noromance
9,791 posts
 

Filtering and stabilizing power, DC blocking and coupling between amplification stages, frequency adjustment etc. Some may be paralleled so smaller caps fit in case.

twoleftears's avatar
twoleftears
5,318 posts
 

8 to 12?

erik_squires
16,100 posts
 

Really depends a lot on the type of preamp.  Caps do all sorts of important duties.  From converting AC to DC, stabilizing voltages,  blocking DC in the signal path, limiting the preamp bandwidth, setting the time constants for muting circuits...

I suggest the best way to learn more is to maybe build a kit. :)

blackdoghifi's avatar
blackdoghifi
45 posts
 

What preamp are you referring to specifically. 

mlsstl
1,437 posts
 

If the pre has a phono preamp section, caps are needed for the RIAA equalization which has a 40 dB bass to treble swing in its curve in order to get the signal back to a flat response.  Tone control circuits also need caps.

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