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A 'preamplifier' obviously comes before an 'amplifier', but you really need to give the context that you are asking about. If it was just a general question, than the answer is the first part of this reply.
It is my understanding of audio amplifiers (both preamp and power ampliefiers) that the preamplifier is the initial stage where the audio signal is introduced into the "amplifier" circuit. Most high quality amplifiers will contain both a pre-amp and a power amplifier.
Pre-amplifiers are designed to "clean up" an incomming audio signal before it is amplified by a power amp. Many preamps make use of OP-amp designs which only slightly amplify the signal and commonly allow for bass, treble and volume controls.
Take for instance an audio signal which has been recorded onto some sort of media (CD, tape etc) the signal has already been amplified and attenuated a number of times during recording. As you may know, amplification of an audio signal will produce some sort of noise, no matter what quality of amplification. Thus, the amplified product on the media (CD tape etc.) already has some noise introduced into the audio signal. A preamp attempts to remove the larger sources of noise in order to provide for a cleaner signal during the power amplifier stage.
A power amplifier simply amplifies the audio signal at enormous levels (when compared to the preamp stage) to provide a root to drive speakers at higher volume.
The age of better sound quality provided by storage media has left us with the "option" to leave out a pre-amplifier stage when amplifying an audio signal and still get away with satisfying sound output from the amplifier. Now, pre-amplifiers are most commonly seen in circumstances where musical instruments and audio signal mixing is performed. If you want to know more about amplifiers in general, or specific, check this link out: **broken link removed**
Yes, the preamplifier function is totally different than the power amplifier. The preamplifier will always come before the power amplifier. The power amplifier will be the last stage before outputting into the speakers.
Simply stated: The preamp is used for cleaning up the signal before sending the signal to the power amplifier.
The power amplifier just amplifies the signal and sends it to the speakers.
More Simply put, The Preamp is just Voltage gain. (Sometimes with tone controls). Very little current.
The Power amp is Power Gain, Lots of Current to drive speakers.
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