I've been looking into some new gear as the stuff I have just isn't cutting it anymore. I came across some preamps and poweramps, and had no idea what they are, or what the difference is. I found some threads on this using the search feature, but it just confused me more.

So my questions are:

1) What is the difference between a preamp and poweramp?

2) What all is needed to play out of either?

Thanks.

A preamp simply handles the distortion and equalization. Poweramps amplify the signal (make it louder). So you'd have your guitar plugged into the preamp, which distorts and gives you your badass metal tone, then that signal is sent into a poweramp, which makes it loud, and then that is sent to your cab (speakers) which turn the signal into sounds.

well put.

So youll need preamp, powermap, and cabinet.

of course you can buy other things for rack like equalizer or powercondition witch protects your equipment form electronic malfcuntions i should say.

i have a tthread about id but the first few posts were to do with tube.

__________________

That made perfect sense, thank you!