why don't you send an email to the guy with the spec sheets?looks like an expert.see what he has to say.
i have no idea why the arcam won't drive the amps.
maybe someone else will step in to help out.
unless there is user error,if the pre-out of a receiver and the output of a $3k pre-pro won't drive them,i don't see where a $1k pre-pro would have an edge.
what kind of 'old' preamp is it,anyway?
joe