This pickup has a very high output for being a piezo. It works like a charm with or without a preamp (Yes, You can put it straight to your amp if the need should arise). It still sounds like a piezo pickup, though. This is not a bad thing, but you have to realize that it wont reproduce the full acoustic sound of your bass (wich is impossible for a piezo pickup anyway).
The best part is that it is extremely durable: I have tried several more expensive high-end pickups that have broken down in months whereas this one works every time.