Power amp and pre amp vs a head

Monotheist · #1 12-13-2010, 07:31 AM

My apologies if this has been asked before but I couldn't find a thread related to it.

What is the difference between using a preamp and power amp such as a Crown and a head such as Ampeg SVT4 pro.

I'm not talking about brand specific, I just used Crown and Ampeg as an example.

Is there an advantage to using either?

Thanx

lbwdog · #2 12-13-2010, 07:48 AM

Some like the flexibility of choosing "one from column A"(preamp), and "one from column B"(poweramp). That way you can select your favorite attributes such as EQ, and pair it with a poweramp that suits your needs. Some players desire extreme power for headroom, etc.

Personally, I find the current crop of quality pro-line integrated heads have everything I need in one package, and makes for an easier load in and set up.

jnewmark · #3 12-13-2010, 07:50 AM

You might also try the " search " function on this forum. Lots of threads about this subject. Here's one : Preamp+Power Amp vs Amp Head? Pls help!

Monotheist · #4 12-13-2010, 08:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jnewmark

You might also try the " search " function on this forum. Lots of threads about this subject. Here's one : Preamp+Power Amp vs Amp Head? Pls help!

What a concept that "search" function is!!!

MrDOS · #5 12-13-2010, 08:46 AM

I like the flexibility of separates. I often use the same type of power amp for monitors and bass rig, and if one fails (rare, but it happens), they are interchangeable.

It reminds me of the "hi-fi" days; your could get an all-in-one, or separate parts and upgrade 1 at a time as finances allowed. But, I digress.

fokof · #6 12-13-2010, 09:29 AM

+1 for both.

And later you can keep your preamp and get some active speakers

4Mal · #7 12-13-2010, 09:41 AM

If you need mega-power - which most of us really don't ... then it's the cheapest way to get it. IME - a really good integrated head generally sounds better than a pre-power amp setup based on similar componentry. These days an old WT-800A does it for me when I need the 'large' rig. Otherwise an MB2-500 suffices...

By better, I mean punchier, and more musical sounding... maybe less sterile or less surgical.

runmikeyrun · #8 12-13-2010, 02:16 PM

I like the flexibility of a pre-power setup. When i needed more power, i just bought a higher powered power amp. When i got tired of my preamp, i bought a new one. It's a lot better than buying an all new head in my opinion.

dincz · #9 12-13-2010, 02:24 PM

Separate pre and power amps also give you more flexibility with cabinets. Each channel can drive a (sometimes 2 ohm) 4 or 8 ohm cab, or both channels combined in bridged mode can drive an 8 ohm (or sometimes 4 ohm) cab.

4Mal · #10 12-13-2010, 02:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dincz

Separate pre and power amps also give you more flexibility with cabinets. Each channel can drive a (sometimes 2 ohm) 4 or 8 ohm cab, or both channels combined in bridged mode can drive an 8 ohm (or sometimes 4 ohm) cab.

That really depends on the head ... my WT for instance is a stereo head 8 or 4 ohms per side, will bridge mono for more power than I need. For me the important point though is tone. There is something special that happens when the same designer does the output section of the preamp and the input section of the power amp. I've tried a bunch of rack setups with really good components. GK, Crown, Crest, QSC, Demeter, Alembic, Eden, ART (don't laugh - the ART Tube Channel is a real sleeper) ... All good stuff - but there is something lacking when compared against a Good integrated head.

and there is a certain level of convenience that comes with 1 on/off switch - I know it seems like a small thing but... rack systems can be kind a PITA - still, they can deliver huge power economically and if it works for ya, great. It's really worth investigating the better of the integrated heads if you don't need a kilo-watt +

Kyon` · #11 12-13-2010, 03:32 PM

I personally prefer a power/pre set up simply because I've come to realize that the sound I'm looking for comes through very well with my sansamp. I do agree though that for the most part a well made integrated head can come through a lot more musical then most preamps and power amp set up. But I'm happy with the sansamp.

BassmanPaul · #12 12-13-2010, 04:01 PM

One of the "biggies" for me is that most stereo power amps are capable of running 2Ω loads per channel. Two ohm capable heads are not that common. That said I have been running pre/power rigs since the Sixties and have just recently switched to Carvin's BX1500. The weight of this head is what sold me. It's a good amplifier.