Testing a preamp

I borrowed an 18db, ss preamp. I'm testing it with a pair of monoblocks that I'm pretty sure are ok. I've got a playing, cd source connected to the pre, but am not getting any sound. Without the pre-to-amp interconnects attached, I'm not reading any ac or dc voltage at the pre output rcas, at any gain level. Does this make sense? Or should I conclude that the pre is probably faulty?