preamps, poweramps, heads, etc...

[vernplum]

Hi

Sorry, I'm a bit ignorant when it comes to amplification.

I was looking throught the 'our photo album 2005' thread and saw a picture of a setup with a JMP1 preamp into a cab (I know what a cab is ) and mention of a Boogie Triaxis. Does this mean that you don't need a seperate amp head (is this the poweramp) to drive the speaker?

What's the definition of preamp, poweramp, etc.?

Thanks.

 

[mikemann]

As the term preamp describe it, it's "before" the main amp. So loosely put it, it's main job is to help process your signal. Even your effect pedals are classified as preamp items.

Poweramp is incharge or amplifying that signal to a level suitable to drive the speakers. As the term power-amp describe, power to amplify the signal. With-in amp heads also have pre-amp circuit to condition the signal for the poweramp section to amplify.

Finally the cabinets will be of course your speakers where it convert the electric current signals from the poweramp to SOUND WAVES.

All these is for people who wants to pay and play expensive individual components. Most of the time you buy "COMBO" amps, meaning cabinets with builtin speaker, power amp and pre-amp all in one. It's all there, just all in one package, which cost much cheaper than seperate.

Just see it like hifi enthiuest, who buy component Hi-Fi, one item one function. And the general people who buy mini compo, all builtin on unit.

 

[fretless6]

Just like to add that one of the key points of having em seperate is to have a modular system. Where u can mix and match ur gear depending on what you need or require.

 

[6L6er]

the pro to having a combo amp is that there is no need to crack your brain over what to match since the manufacturers themselves have already "matched" the pre-amp, poweramp and cab modules... so you just plug in and play... no fuss...

but for ppl who are nit-picky over their tone, the rack system is the way to go... that way they can mix and match their pre-amp, poweramp and cab sections to get a variety of tones... but like mikemann has mentioned, it would be a little costly to use rack equipment... however i do disagree to his assumption that rack equipment are toys for the rich... ultimately, you do get what you pay for... since each section is specialised in its own area, you do get a much higher performance.. provided you know what you are doing and can appreciate the difference in the first place...

ultimately it all depends on what kind of qualities you want out of your gear... it's kinda like choosing to go to a GP for your back ache or going to an orthopaedic specialist...

 

[vernplum]

Thanks for the insightful replies guys. That cleared up a lot for me.