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
 @kijanki : an amp producing 25 watts is actually outputting 14 volts. At 50 watts  it is outputting 20 volts. I understand this type of non-linear proportion. I don't think it applies to voltage at the input stage! 
@kijanki : look at the specs for the 462 amp! Both 2.1 and 4.2 volts both produce output wattage of 450!  So if the input voltage is slightly increased to 2.4 ala the Marantz 8802 you say that the wattage will go down to 1/4 of 450!!!! 
450watts 8ohms the voltage is 60volts according to ohm's law equations
V = I × R  and  P = V × I  or  V = (P × R )  and  P = V^2 / R

The voltage gain = 60 / 4.2 = 14.3
2.4volts x 14.3 = 34.3volts

34.3volts at 8ohms = 147watts

Post removed 
It is exactly what it is.  His amplifier has 20dB gain for balanced input at 4ohm output posts.  20dB is10x.  When you input 4.2V input output becomes 10 x 4.2V = 42V  P = (42V^2) / 4 = 441W
At 2.1V input output becomes 21V   P = (21V^2) / 4 = 110.25W