I've had the same experience with 2 different preamps, a Krell KBL and a CJ 12. With the Krell I could get the volume to 1 or 2 o'clock on the volume and the CJ only let me get to 10 o'clock. It did turn out to be system synergy between output and input sensitivity between the player, a Sony 9000ES and the pres and the amp. The amp is a Bedini 801 modified that the person I got it from had some EVS attenuators that solved the problem. A good lesson learned by me on matching your equipment through research before you buy.
Boss302
Boss302