Chadnliz:
I had the same problem with 87db efficient Harbeth Compact 7's. It only got worse when I went to 96db efficient Daedalus DA-1's. This was only a problem with high output sources like my CD player--not really an issue with my medium output Dyna 20X. There is an easy and cost effective solution that does not compromise the sound--have ARC do a "6db gain reduction mod" which amounts to popping a very high quality resistor on the CD input which attenuates that signal slightly. My understanding is that this can be done for all your functions if you like but as I said it was only an issue on the CD for me. Now my CD and phono gains are about equal and I have plenty of "play" at lower volumes. Call Leonard and he will hook you up.
I had the same problem with 87db efficient Harbeth Compact 7's. It only got worse when I went to 96db efficient Daedalus DA-1's. This was only a problem with high output sources like my CD player--not really an issue with my medium output Dyna 20X. There is an easy and cost effective solution that does not compromise the sound--have ARC do a "6db gain reduction mod" which amounts to popping a very high quality resistor on the CD input which attenuates that signal slightly. My understanding is that this can be done for all your functions if you like but as I said it was only an issue on the CD for me. Now my CD and phono gains are about equal and I have plenty of "play" at lower volumes. Call Leonard and he will hook you up.