Amplifiers

Although not required for a “first” or “basic” Hi-Fi setup, amplifiers are fantastic pieces of kit that can future-proof and open up your system to other sources.

As the name suggests, the main job of an amplifier is to take a low-level signal, and increase (or amplify) it to a level that's usable for other audio gear, and without adding any noise, distortion, or altering the sound. Most modern 'amplifiers' are also 'receivers', in that they accept signals from multiple sources and cable types.

An amplifier/receiver will be able to receive signals from multiple sources, and push the signals out to - as well as powering - your speakers. The one pictured above is for ‘separates’ or ‘stackable’ HiFi sources: it has a dedicated ‘mono’ channel for receiving a turntable signal, along with five RCA stereo channels, for other components (CD Player, Internet Radio, Bluetooth device, etc).