Do I need both an effects loop and preamp out-power amp?

[MoogMonk]

After getting a new job, cheaper apartment, and a security deposit check in the mail I'm splurging on new gear. I'm getting a Verellen Meatsmoke preamp pedal and a new amp. I want the Meatsmoke to be the basis of my sound and I've heard it's better to run into the preamp out section of the amp rather than the effects loop. The thing is that if possible I'd like to run some mod pedals after the MS since I like fx like filters, delay and trem after my dirt. What is the signal flow if I run mod pedals through the fx loop and the MS through the preamp out section? Would there be a big signal drop running pedals after it in the preamp section? Or would it sound fine just running the MS though the fx loop with pedals after it? It typically cost more for an amp with both so if I can save a few bucks without sacrificing tone I'm fine with that. Thanks for any help and sorry if I sound like a total idiot.

P.S. I know I could just experiment a bit but I'd rather not spend the extra money on an amp with more features if they're not necessary.

 

[Downunderwonder]

Perhaps no instrument amp has a dedicated instrument level fx loop after their preamp out in loop.

You are looking at either going with rack fx to chain after the meat smoke, or else dropping the meatsmoke output level down to regular fx level and back in the front of instrument amp.

 

[Wasnex]

I want the Meatsmoke to be the basis of my sound and I've heard it's better to run into the preamp out section of the amp rather than the effects loop.

P.S. I know I could just experiment a bit but I'd rather not spend the extra money on an amp with more features if they're not necessary.

A Preamp Out is an output. You don't run into. You can take a Preamp Out and plug it into the Effects Return of another amp, or you may even be able to take an Effects Send and plug it into a Power Amp In without any noticeable difference in performance. It all depends on the equipment you are using, so there is no generic answer as far as what is best.

There is a lot of variation between different amps, so you have to consider how each amp is setup. For example, with many amps the Effects Loop is inserted between the Preamp and Power Amp. But I have several amps where the Effects Loop is right after the first gain stage...before the Tone Stack and Preamp Gain Control. Obviously results will vary somewhat based upon where the effects loop is and whether the Effects Loop is instrument level or line level.