Do I need a power amp?

[Alonso Ortega]

I'm setting up my rig and I was thinking to use a cabinet and a preamp pedal to get the distortion, do I need a power amp to drive the cabinet or the preamp is enough?

[PFDarkside]

Re: Do I need a power amp?

Yes you do. In simple terms the preamp shapes the tone and the power amp amplifies it enough to drive the speakers so you can hear it.

[Joey Voltage]

Re: Do I need a power amp?

Not only do you need a power amp, but you may even need additional amplification to get the preamp level up. If it's just a 9v guitar pedal, it most likely is only capable of outputting an instrument level signal, which may not be enough to even drive a power amp, depending on how it's designed of course.

[Mincer]

Re: Do I need a power amp?

Seems like the simplest solution would be Seymour Duncan's new Powerstage 170.

This! The PowerStage 170 is pedal-sized, under 2 pounds, and is louder than you'd need. It sounds wonderful into a guitar cab (with a guitar preamp) or if you have a full modeling pedal (modeled preamp/power amp/speaker) into a full range cab.

[Alonso Ortega]

Re: Do I need a power amp?

Thanks for the replies. I was thinking using an AMT Preamp pedal into maybe a Magnum 44 into a 1x12, hadn't thought of the PowerStage, I don't think I can find it anywhere near me ( I don't live in the US)

[devastone]

Re: Do I need a power amp?

I hate to say it, but the ISP Technologies Stealth Ultra Lite is another good choice, ~ same wattage as the Powerstage 170 and ~$150 less. The downside is that it uses an external power supply.

http://www.isptechnologies.com/portfolio/stealth-ultra-lite/

[Alex Semple]

Re: Do I need a power amp?

Hello! Where are you located?

[Alonso Ortega]

Re: Do I need a power amp?

Santiago, Chile