Looking at the specs on page 319 of the AVR manual, where the 1.2 volt figure appears, I would interpret that figure to be the output voltage the AVR would produce when it is used in conjunction with a line-level analog source and is provided with an analog input of 0.2 volts (note the reference to input sensitivity of 200 mv), with the volume control at max. Most modern analog sources will provide considerably higher voltages than that, and in response I would expect that the AVR would be capable of providing considerably more than 1.2 volts.
However I see also that if digital media are listened to via the AVR’s internal DAC the rated output voltage corresponding to 0 db (which would refer to the maximum possible value of a digital sample) is 2 volts. In that situation you would not be able to drive the amp to full power. But the difference between 2 volts and 2.71 volts is only 2.6 db. That is about a 26% reduction in maximum power capability, but is a fairly small difference from a subjective standpoint. And given the very high power capability of the amp you may never want to use that 26% anyway. Especially if your speakers have low impedance, as the amp is rated to provide 400, 800, and 1600 watts into 8, 4, and 2 ohms respectively.
Regards,
-- Al
However I see also that if digital media are listened to via the AVR’s internal DAC the rated output voltage corresponding to 0 db (which would refer to the maximum possible value of a digital sample) is 2 volts. In that situation you would not be able to drive the amp to full power. But the difference between 2 volts and 2.71 volts is only 2.6 db. That is about a 26% reduction in maximum power capability, but is a fairly small difference from a subjective standpoint. And given the very high power capability of the amp you may never want to use that 26% anyway. Especially if your speakers have low impedance, as the amp is rated to provide 400, 800, and 1600 watts into 8, 4, and 2 ohms respectively.
Regards,
-- Al