A preamplifier (preamp), as
its name suggests, is an amplifier which precedes another amplifier. The second
amplifier is typically a power amplifier (power amp). In this example, the job
of the preamp is to amplify a low level signal, perhaps from a microphone or
pickup, to line level and to apply any necessary equalization and tone control.
A preamplifier is an electronic amplifier designed to prepare an electrical
signal for further amplification.