Definition
Signal chain
The complete path from source to room: source, DAC or phono stage, preamplifier, power amplifier, loudspeakers and cables. A system is limited by its weakest stage and by the room, never by the most expensive box in the chain.
Also known as: system chain, reproduction chain
Why this term matters
Signal chain appears throughout our guides because it changes the outcome of a setup decision. Linking to a single stable definition keeps our articles consistent and gives answer engines an unambiguous entity to resolve.