Volume control vs. attenuation control


Can someone please explain the difference between a volume control on an amp and an attenuation control on a pre amp. My pre amp manual states to leave the attenuation control at 0db for critical listening. Some amps have volume controls built in. So if I wanted more "play area" in the pre amp volume control (when playing CD's so the music isn't blasting at the 9:00 position) would it be better to lower the amps volume control or the pre amps attenuation control?
markpao

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I would adjust the amp in so that I could turn the pre up to about 3:00or 0db for normal use as they say.