Separate preamp/power amp question. I want more volume...

[Chienmortbb]

4 hours ago, Downunderwonder said:

How do you get output without gain? Must be a definition problem.

You could have a unity gain amplifier. 

[Downunderwonder]

2 hours ago, Chienmortbb said:

You could have a unity gain amplifier. 

Aka EQ unit?

[Jack]

14 hours ago, agedhorse said:

It's NOT gain that's the issue, it's the maximum output level which is an entirely different parameter. 

Ok, I'll take one for the team. I would assume that those specs are somewhat linked, with the amount of gain on tap allowing you essentially a better chance of reaching the required output level. Obviously, this depends on the input. Can you elaborate a little more please?

[bremen]

Gain/max level: 

 

Here's a pedal with 40dB gain . (amplifies the signal voltage x100)and a 9V battery. So put 10mV in, get 1V out. Happy days.

But put 100mV in you won't get 10V out - the 9V battery is inadequate.

Simillarly, increase the gain to 60dB and put 10mV in - still can't gey 10V out.

 

Now if that pedal has an output impedance of 10k (the equivalent of a 10k resistor in series) and the following power amp an input impedance of 10k, those two resistors form a potential divider which halves the signal, taking us even further from sonic satisfaction.

 

 

[Jack]

Ok, that's pretty much as I understood it then, they are linked but there's a limit.