Preamps with variable gain... pros and cons?

The pass labs x1 can set hi OR Lo mode gain on a per-input basis. A great feature.
The pass labs aleph P has per channel variable gain as does the BAT vk-5i. I found that the BAT sounded best with the gain set to MAX. Brought out the tube sound the most. The aleph P sounded best with the gain set to around 11 oclock. The feature is quite useful - especially since different people have different tastes. Some like the transparency of a more passive pre, some like more dynamic drive.

I have a tubed Supratek Syrah pre and also prefer it at max gain. It has 5 different gain settings so you can try different settings to work with your amp. I have a few cd's that seem to have been recorded on the lean or bright side and lowering the gain (and raising the volume) helps.

Regards,
Patrick

I have an Audio Research LS 25. It has gain adjustable in 3 increments - 6dB, 12 dB, and 18dB. This works great for me because the 12 dB setting is perfect for cd, while the 18 dB setting is great with phono.

Gain controls are useful for channel balance adjustment. Atma-Sphere tube preamps have this feature.

The Rogue 99 also has the gain control. I find it useful with the remote feature because I have finer volume control at lower gain. The differences in quality at different gains are very small.