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What is the difference between a Preamp and a dist amp?
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Pre-amplifiers are designed to be mounted at the antenna "pre" down-lead losses. Distribution amps are usually a combination of a line amp plus a splitter in a monolithic package. Some are just the amp for use with external splitters (if required) or long cable runs. Pre-amps are usually less noisy than a DA while the DA, which are usually re-purposed CATV amps, is usually more tolerant of mixed strong and weak signals. There may be substantial overlap in function and application, so don't get too dogmatic about which to select or recommend.
Double-amplifying is rarely needed and is often detrimental to proper reception.
Prescribing amplifiers starts with knowing what your signal conditions (power levels) are, what antenna you're using (its gain and pattern), desired/available local channels, and an understanding of the signal distribution system's losses and requirements. Just jumping in an tossing amplifier at the system rarely turns out well except by blind luck.
Start with your exact-location TVFool plot, identifying your antenna, and what actual problem you are trying to solve.