In your case you're describing gain control vs. attenuation control on your preamp section that should be set to the best possible volume range that you want to operate your volume control for ex 7...12 o'clock. If you feel that you get distortions on the most of your listening range try to adjust one way or the other untill you get the most of sound and leave the gain control untouched.
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?