Why Preamps Thump on Turn on

I am often reminded how difficult it is to write something that others find fun and engaging. 

Agreed with audioman58.
I would always turn on the source components first, then preamp, then power amp last. And when shutting down my system I would always power off the power amp first, then preamp, then source components last. it’s dead silent, no thump.
That thump is DC still on the line like what audioman58 described above.

Carvin Audio Explanation. Substitute Preamp for Mixer.

"THE RIGHT ORDER TO TURN THINGS ON

Before anything else, let’s review the power up sequence for a common live sound scenario. Power up in this order:

1. Sound sources like keyboards and synths that are connected to the mixer
2. Mixer
3. Power amps
4. Powered speakers and stage monitors

1. PROPER POWER DOWN SEQUENCE

   As you might imagine, spikes occur when you turn equipment off as well. Since all the gear is on before you start powering down, you’ll need to power off in the opposite direction (first in last out). So in the example above, active speakers and power amps would be turned off first (so they don’t receive a spike from the mixer), then the mixer…and finally the onstage gear connected to the mixer."

Some power controllers have sequenced power banks that do this for you.

I've always read proper turn on sequence is:

1. Preamp along with everything connected to it.

2. Amp.

Shutdown is the opposite

 BUT..... My preamp is connected to my amp with a wire that turns both on at the same time when you do a startup with the preamp remote control.

 Neither the preamp nor the amp instantly come on, there's a few seconds of delay.

 You can here a click in each when they actually power on. I assume this makes the startup procedure okay? Just want to be sure, thanks.

Amplifiers should always be turned on 1st and last off!  This will eliminate speaker thump due to large current inrush filling capacitors in the amplifier.