Here is a summary of whether you can use a preamp and an amplifier interchangeably in a sound system:
- Preamps and amplifiers serve different purposes and cannot be used interchangeably.
- A preamp boosts weak signals from sources like microphones to line level. An amplifier boosts line level signals to speaker level.
- Using only a preamp will not provide enough power to drive speakers. The signal will be too weak.
- Using only an amplifier without a preamp first will often result in excessive noise, distortion or clipping from amplifying an already weak signal.
- For best results, use a preamp first to boost the signal, then feed its output into an amplifier to further amplify it and drive speakers.
- Some integrated amps combine both preamp and power amp stages in one unit. But separate components allow more flexibility.
- If your integrated amp has preamp outputs, you can add an external power amp for more power.
- You cannot insert a separate preamp if the integrated amp lacks an input for external preamps to bypass the built-in preamp.
So in summary, preamps and amplifiers serve complementary but distinct roles in an audio system. Using them correctly and in the proper sequence is important for optimal performance. They cannot simply be swapped out interchangeably.
Citations:
[1] https://www.crutchfield.com/learn/home-audio-power-amplifiers-and-preamps.html
[2] https://thehometheaterdiy.com/preamp-vs-amp/
[3] https://audiosciencereview.com/forum/index.php
[4] https://stampsound.com/can-a-preamp-be-used-with-an-integrated-amp/
[5] https://thecontentauthority.com/blog/preamp-vs-amp
[6] https://musicaroo.com/preamplifier-vs-amplifier/