The term "preamp" (short for preamplifier) is used to describe an
amplifier put at the input to a receiver. It's not used for transmitting.

When used with a modern receiver, they often do more harm than good, by
generating spurious signals while not improving the signal to noise
ratio. One of the few places where they are useful is when mounted at
the antenna in a VHF or UHF system when there's significant loss in the
feedline between the antenna and receiver.

Roy Lewallen, W7EL

David Harper wrote:
I'm still new in regards to radio, but had a couple questions
regarding equipment. I've seen some info about pre-amps, and was
wondering if this is just a low-power transmitter that "should" have
an amp between it and the antenna. Is the preamp basically everything
before the power amplifier? If not, where am I mistaken?

Thanks in advance!
Dave