Question on Preamp Outputs.


I was hoping that you guys can answer a question.

My preamp, a Marantz 8802a has a max output of 2.4 volts balanced output. I am looking into a McIntosh Amp that is rated for a higher input potential. I am generally pleased with my Marantz. Below are the specs pf the McIntosh and the Marantz.

McIntosh MC462
Power Output Minimum sine wave continuous average power output per channel, with both channels operating is: 450 watts into 2 ohm load 450 watts into 4 ohm load 450 watts into 8 ohm load Output Load Impedance 2, 4 or 8 ohms Rated Power Band 20Hz to 20,000Hz Total Harmonic Distortion 0.005% maximum harmonic distortion at any power level from 250 milliwatts to rated power, 20Hz to 20,000Hz Dynamic Headroom 3.0dB Frequency Response +0, -0.25dB from 20Hz to 20,000Hz +0, -3.0dB from 10Hz to 100,000Hz Input Sensitivity (for rated output) 4.2 Volts Balanced 2.1 Volts Unbalanced

Marantz 8802a
Analog Input sensitivity/Input impedance: Unbalanced RCA input:200 mV/47 kΩ/kohms Balanced XLR input:400 mV/94 kΩ/kohms Frequency response: 10 Hz – 100 kHz — +1, –3 dB (Direct mode) S/N: 105 dB (IHF–A weighted, Direct mode) Distortion: 0.005 % (20 Hz – 20 kHz) (Direct mode) Rated output: Unbalanced RCA pre-output : 1.2 V Balanced XLR pre-output: 2.4 V 0 Digital D/A output: Rated output — 2 V (at 0 dB playback) Total harmonic distortion — 0.008 % (1 kHz, at 0 dB) S/N ratio — 102 dB Dynamic range — 100 dB Digital input: Format — Digital audio interface 0 Phono equalizer Input sensitivity: 2.5 mV RIAA deviation: ±1 dB (20 Hz to 20 kHz) S/N: 74 dB (IHF-A、with 5 mV input) Rated output: 150 mV Distortion factor: 0.03 % (1 kHz, 3 V)


Since my Pre has 2.4 volts , what does that mean in the grand scheme? Aside from getting a better dedicate two channel preamp .. I know I should, but that will come later. 

Thank you In advance.
Rick
knowitall
You will get less than full power by using the Marantz's balanced outputs. About a bit more than 225 wpc into all impedances - the Mc462 uses autoformers on the output stages. Same if you used the Marantz's unbalanced RCA outputs. 
Here's the math: 2.4 ÷ 4.2 = .5714 × 450 = 257.14 watts into all impedances! 
People here will say "this preamp or that preamp" will sound "better"! They will claim that their "golden ears" told them this! The 8802 is an excellent measuring - and sounding! - preamp! Plus it has a phono stage - something lacking in many current preamps. I expect that the 8802 will be "transparent" to the source! Replacing it would be a sideways move at best!
The bad news is you can't get the max. rated output power from the McIntosh MC462.
The good news is the Marantz 8802a won't drive the McIntosh MC462 into clipping and in reality your speakers may not require that much power.