Preamp Gain issues with high efficiency speakers

Thanks for the response, Viridian.

Would you surmise that this will be the case regardless of what pre I use?

Feels odd running my Cj Preamp at 1 out of 100, 99% of the time. 

My source is a Pi2AES 2.0 running Ropiee over I2S to a Denafrips Pontus 2 DAC connected via rca to the preamp. 

As far as I'm aware, the Denafrips has no volume management and outputs 2.2v.

this is a pretty common DAC. 

I can't imagine I connected anything incorrectly when I swapped in the Schiit SYS, I just had one cable from dad to SYS, then one to the amp. 

I will try again and post results. I will also try and swap out the power amp and see what happens. 

All help has been greatly appreciated!

I absolutely adore these speakers for a variety of reasons. 

1. I think they're beautiful. 

2. Midrage is flawless.

3. dynamics are unmatched

4. good bass heft

5. easy to drive (despite my ongoing gain issues)

Thank you all for the input. I guess all the niggles are what make this hobby so fun (and the music) ... endless tinkering, and trying new things. 

To be clear, with my current set up , I am completely happy with the sound...just find it difficult to cope with the fact that I am running my pre in the bottom 10th of it's range most of the time. I guess in the end it doesn't really matter. 

That being said, I have a couple pieces of gear on the way .... 😂

@atmasphere thank you for your reply. This was the same conclusion I came to as well. 

While I can listen perfectly with my system as it is, the only issue is the lack of usable volume control at the low end. Other than that, it sounds incredible. 

I have been on the Decware list for roughly 2 years and am about 50 from the top...so hopefully not too long. That was always the long term solution for these speakers. I am considering spending a bit more on the Decware amp to something higher in the line to be my end game tube amp. 

I also have a FW J2 on the way which will take care of my solid state needs I believe. I like to swap out tubes for SS every few months. 

Thank you for your help!

@vair68robert I was considering this, but I only have the stock Premier 11, not the 11a. I am unclear whether they can convert the 11 to the 11XS. I have asked CJ and will let you know. 

@karl_desch I currently have the SE34I.6 Zen Triode Integrated with all mods but considering upgrading to the Sarah. My issue with the Sarah is the dual volume controls and lack out outputs. 

I will let you know when the time comes, hopefully not too long. 

@vair68robert I considered this was an issue I was experiencing with the SYS. It made no sense that the completely passive pre still had little control of the Low gain range. 

I ordered a Schiit Kara and it works perfectly.

In passive mode, I am really able to dial in the full range of gain/volume from very very quiet to very loud. Even in 1x gain mode, I have good enough control over the gain range.

When I engage the 12db gain mode, it's still good enough to use. 

Unfortunately, it just doesn't sound as good as my CJ Pre-amp. Not that I expected it would. It is transparent and quiet, but it lack the warmth and musicality of the CJ. 

I am going to play around with other Passive Preamps, looking at the Khozmo and Luminous Audio Axion. 

Thank you everyone for your help!

@daledeee1 I also have an XA25 and have been looking at the Khozmo or Hattor, they seem to be the exact same with different branding for different markets. 

My source DAC is 2v output.

you have no bass issues?

Which speakers?

Thanks!