Perhaps the most annoying myth in audio of 2025? Talking about Loudness!

The volume knob is like applying the brakes. Restricting the frequency. The higher the volume knob the more resolution is allowed to flow. So, the pre-amp volume knob should be as high as possible within a comfortable range. Of course there's a limit where it can become uncomfortable.

I've heard pre-amps that have lots of gain but you can't turn up the volume knob past 9 o'clock position or it's too loud. You're listening to a low level/resolution signal being boosted by gain and I find it quickly invokes listening fatigue.

@ghdprentice I never heard that one... It is definitely not true in my experience. 

Do you use a potentiometer volume control? Most people do.

Your amp runs full open and the voltage must be  REDUCED to normal listening levels. Any type of potentiometer 'applies the brakes' to this signal by restricting voltage and losing resolution in the process. So, as you turn up the volume you are releasing the brakes allowing more signal to flow and sounds better.

A pre-amp with lots of gain takes the 'reduced resolution signal' and then amplies it. You get loudness but with distortion added. Some people like the perception of added dynamics. I don't.

A potentiometer directly affects the voltage level of an analog signal by acting as a voltage divider, while a digital volume control modifies the amplitude of a digital signal without introducing any additional noise. So, newer, more expensive digital volume controllers seem to be prefered in higher end gear.

So, if you use a potentiometer the higher the knob the better.

The main point to realise is that that no matter what volume control you use, the less you resist or "apply the brakes" the better.

The main job of a pre-amp is signal resistance with as little degradation to the signal as possible. Matching a pre-amp to an amplifier is important. If you have a very powerful amp and match it with a pre-amp that has gain you may not be able to get the volume knob up past 9 o'clock position and it's blaringly loud. Especially problemamatic with very effiecient speakers. This is an example of a lower resolution, overly restricted signal. 

On the other hand, a lower powered amp used with a no gain, buffered pre-amp allowing the volume to open up to 12 noon position or higher, could sound far better. Higher power is not an indication of better sound and in many cases hinders the sound due to this, "heavy braking" volume knob restriction.