Abstract: Disclosed is a low noise amplifier capable of handling large signals without significant distortion and which is particularly useful as the first electronic stage in hydrophone array systems utilizing piezoelectric sensor elements. The amplifier comprises three stages. The first stage uses an input field effect transistor (FET), which is protected against overload by very low leakage current diodes, and which acts as a voltage-to-current converter. The second stage comprises a junction transistor connected in a common emitter configuration which acts as a current-to-voltage converter. The third stage is a further junction transistor connected as an emitter follower. The overall gain of the amplifier is controlled by a feedback connection from the third stage to the first stage. The second and third stages are powered by a bipolar power supply.