Signal to Noise Ratio and Amplifier Distortion

Hi,

Another dumb question.

My understanding is that SNR is defined as the ratio of signal power to the noise power, often expressed in decibels. A ratio higher than 1:1 (greater than 0 dB) indicates more signal than noise.

My understanding from many posters on this site is that a lower powered amplifier has less distortion and should sound better, all other things being equal.

Assuming the above two comments are true, how does amplifier distortion affect the SNR?

Is it safe to say that the better the SNR of a preamp and source, the more you will hear the distortion from a higher powered amp?

Or asked another way, will a lower SNR component mask high power amp distortion?

Or is it, because the amp is the last item in the chain before the speakers, it will distort the signal it receives regardless of the quality of that signal?

As I have tried to state my confusion in writing, it seems to me that my last thought is probably the correct answer.

But I hope someone who knows more than me can straighten out my thinking.

Thanks for listening,

Dsper