Can a preamp's gain be lowered?

It is funny that you have had problems with Cary (AES). Every time I called Cary and told the receptionist I wanted to talk to someone about an AES product technical support I got transfer immediately. He would look up the schematic and have an answer. One time he didn't have an answer and put me on hold for a very short time while he spoke to Dennis Hadd for an answer. I'm really impressed. (The only time I couldn't get transfered was at lunch from 12-1 EST)

I used to own the DJH preamp with 2 different SS poweramps (Linn Klout and Pass Labs Aleph 30) and its 20 db gain had me clipping the amps at 11 o'clock. I sold it because it had little volume control adjustment, even if it did sound awesome.

This preamp was designed for use with the Sixpacs. I think it would also work with the earlier Rocket 88 (non R). I liked the DJH pre a lot but feel it still won't work with the new Superamp 2 that I now own. I would call Cary's tech suport (same for AES), and ask about a recommended mod for it. 919-355-0010 They are up on this design.

Ask them what to do. They really will help if you call and they will recommend what mod to do inside the chassis if you want to do it. They are a bit slow on emails, but are a great source of knowledge if you call.