Is overloading of a preamp volume dependent?

I have read that if a phono pre signal is overloading a preamp, it should be independent of volume. Does this vary based on the preamp's architecture or is it always true?

I have an EAR 834p with 70db gain on its MC stage, going into a Thor TA-1000 preamp. I am hearing crackly distortion only on loud transients such as loud piano strikes, etc. It seems to be there even when I don't have the volume up loud.

Thanks for thoughts.