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
I think that XLR/balanced outputs are over-rated! They are only useful if you need to run 10, 20, 30 ... feet cables! At one or two meters "No diffawrance" as the French chef said!
Ehh, why buy an amp with 450 Watts to only have the potential of 150? Plus Powergaurd won't let it clip, right? 
So why couldn’t you get a XLR to RCA adapter, from XLR out of the preamp to the RCA input of the MC462? Thus, giving 2.4volts to the unbalanced end of the amp? Does it not work that way? 🤓
@kijanki : you get an F! My math is correct! It is just a simple linear proportion comparing 2.4 to 4.2! And then multiplying the result by 450. You are thinking of watts -to- volts of an amp's power output. So way off the mark!