Charlie,
You might get some benefit from these articles.
DVJ
http://entertainment.howstuffworks.com/band-equipment.htm

http://electronics.howstuffworks.com/amplifier.htm
http://electronics.howstuffworks.com/framed.htm?parent=amplifier.htm&url=http://sound.westhost.com/amp-basics.htm

[This message has been edited by deatonent (edited 08-08-2005).]