What is the difference between a preamp and an amp?

[Sweetnighter]

Is the only difference between an amp and a preamp the presence of a speaker? I feel like such an idiot asking this question.

thanks!

 

[Blue Bear Sound]

Typically, a preamp is used to take the relatively low output from microphones and bring them up to line level...... an amplifier is used to take line-level signals and bring them up to a level suitable for driving speakers........

 

[TimOBrien]

Pre = "Before" in Latin (some of us had to take it...) "Before the Amp"

Microphone > Preamp > Whatever > Power Amplifier > Speaker....> Ears