what is the input impedance on your amp? IMO that should be a factor in selecting a new preamp. 20db gain is high. I think on many tube preamps the gain is normally 6-12db single-ended and 12-18db balanced. Also you have to look at output impedance of the preamp. I think some BAT preamps have adjustable gain. You may want to contact your amp manufacturer for a recommendation on what gain should be optimal for a preamp to drive and not over or under drive the amp. And it's probabl a good idea to look for a preamp with fine stepped volume control. This way you can dial in what you like.
I also found that some CDs are recorded lower than others. For example, when I am listening to Patricia Barber Cafe Blue, track 9 Too Rich For My Blood, recording level is pretty low, especailly at the beginning of the track. I have to turn it up to about 1 o'clock on my preamp. But take PB's Modern Cool and the optimum volume is at about 11 o'clock. This is just one example. I beleive this is OK.
I also found that some CDs are recorded lower than others. For example, when I am listening to Patricia Barber Cafe Blue, track 9 Too Rich For My Blood, recording level is pretty low, especailly at the beginning of the track. I have to turn it up to about 1 o'clock on my preamp. But take PB's Modern Cool and the optimum volume is at about 11 o'clock. This is just one example. I beleive this is OK.