>>I'm thinking the red LEDs are coming on because of distortion from the Pioneer. Thats why I want to try it with the Bryston pre-amp.
If I remember correctly the clip detector circuitry compares the input and (scaled) output signals for the final stages of the power amp and flashes the clipping lights if the two signals start to differ. Distortion from the receiver would be reproduced by the power amp so that would not trigger the clipping lights.
If the clipping lights are coming on then you're probably clipping... unless there is something wrong with the detector circuitry.
Disclaimer -- it's been a long time since I actually knew anything about this stuff
