What is the difference between a preamp and a processor?

i'm no expert, but indeed they are similar.

Processors such as equalizer, crossover, bass restorators (i.e. Audio Control products) are connected before the amplifier hence they can also be called Pre-amp units.

 
Which is effectively what a pre-amp does //content.invisioncic.com/y282845/emoticons/smile.gif.1ebc41e1811405b213edfc4622c41e27.gif

 
In the pro audio world a processor is an effect, eq, compressor, expander, gate, etc etc.

In the Home Audio world a processor is a 5.1 or 7.1 pre-amplifier usually with delay, basic EQ, independent volume controls, and some type of digital processing.

In the pro-audio world pre-amplifier usually means a gain device for setting input level on consoles or of microphones.

A "preamplifier" usually in the home audio world means a two channel - aka stereo - device which is strictly analog. But, could have a digital input for two channel decoding.

 
Back in the day, amplifiers, tuners (radio), and pre-amps were separate units. The pre-amp was the, for lack of better words, control center. They all connected and worked together.

 
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