That volume control is very delicate and you need to pose these questions to the people who made the component -- call Hovland and ask them what to do (I believe Alex Crespi is still with Hovland -- ask for him).
The HP-100 preamp has unshielded outputs, which can be a big source of noise (you absolutely must use well-shielded interconnects on the outputs). In fact, well-shielded interconnects all around are a good idea with the Hovland.
Good luck.
The HP-100 preamp has unshielded outputs, which can be a big source of noise (you absolutely must use well-shielded interconnects on the outputs). In fact, well-shielded interconnects all around are a good idea with the Hovland.
Good luck.