Output Voltage for Preouts

[mcad64]

In my search for a replacement for my Integra DHC 40.1 I have gone down the rabbit hole of output voltages. What a processor can put out versus what an AV receiver can put out. A few questions:
What is worse..putting out too much voltage to an amp or too little voltage?
Am I trying to match output voltage of receiver/preprocessor to amp input?
These are the specs for two of my amps:

Power Output (Stereo)	60 W per channel into 8Ω
Power Output (Mono Bridged)	200 W into 8Ω
Design	Dual-mono, Class AB solid state
Inputs	Balanced (XLR type) or Single-ended (RCA style)
Input Sensitivity	Selectable: 1V or 2V input (for full output at 8Ω, depends on gain setting)
Gain Settings	Selectable: 29dB (for 1V input) or 23dB (for 2V input)
Noise	>110dB below rated output (at 29dB gain)
Distortion (THD+Noise)	< 0.005% from 20Hz to 20kHz
Slew Rate	> 120 volts per microsecond
Damping Factor	Over 500 at 20 Hz, ref. 8 ohms

Are they saying that it only needs between 1 and 2 volts to drive it?
Am I overthinking this and making a mountain out of a mole hill.
Little guidance would be appreciated!!
Mike

 

[Batman]

While I feel you’re overthinking it, I’m interested to hear any technical answers to why it matters…..I’ve never once taken this into consideration when pairing a processor with an amp.

 

[MakeMineVinyl]

It can be an overwhelming and technical subject if you allow it to be, but to really simplify things, generally the best operating conditions for noise and distortion occur with a gain structure which puts the relative position of the main volume control (analog or digital) at around 2:00 o'clock for normal or slightly above normal listening levels. That will give around 10dB above that point if you want to listen louder, but there's not so much excess gain available that you risk damaging your speakers by over driving them.

Basically, too much gain in the power amp after the preamp, or if you have to run the preamp volume control too high will increase noise because the power amplifier is amplifying the upstream noise from the preamp by around 25-29dB. Too little gain in the power amp or too little output from the preamp will not drive the power amp to full output. Overall, I've found the formula to have normal listening levels at the physical (or virtual) volume control position of around 2:00 o'clock will always result in nearly perfect operating conditions.

I've seen some really anal types produce graphs 'n charts and formulas and such, but it doesn't have to be that difficult.

 

[mcad64]

It can be an overwhelming and technical subject if you allow it to be, but to really simplify things, generally the best operating conditions for noise and distortion occur with a gain structure which puts the relative position of the main volume control (analog or digital) at around 2:00 o'clock for normal or slightly above normal listening levels. That will give around 10dB above that point if you want to listen louder, but there's not so much excess gain available that you risk damaging your speakers by over driving them.

Basically, too much gain in the power amp after the preamp, or if you have to run the preamp volume control too high will increase noise because the power amplifier is amplifying the upstream noise from the preamp by around 25-29dB. Too little gain in the power amp or too little output from the preamp will not drive the power amp to full output. Overall, I've found the formula to have normal listening levels at the physical (or virtual) volume control position of around 2:00 o'clock will always result in nearly perfect operating conditions.

I've seen some really anal types produce graphs 'n charts and formulas and such, but it doesn't have to be that difficult.

I think I get what you are saying....BUT I am not sure it answers my question!!
Simply put...or put another way. Do I need to know how much or how little voltage is going to my amps from the preouts in either a receiver or a preprocessor? Like is 1 volt from a preout enough? Is 6 volts too much? Does it even matter??
Sorry to be a pain but I have little knowledge and that can be a dangerous thing as it makes me overthink things!!
Mike