I tried the pedal preamp route recently using a Grace Design Felix. Although a versatile and great quality preamp, I found bending over to adjust things not a good fit for me. You also still need a power amp, which is another thing to carry (unless going direct out to board and monitors). So, I found either a small head with amp and preamp built in (i.e., Walter Woods or GK MB500) or a three space case with power amp and F-1X/F-2B to be better options for space, handling, and operation. At least that works better for me.