Low gain dac!

That is a nice feature on the Qutest.  

Yes agree, all dacs with digital domain volume should have this selectable output max voltage feature, then there’s no risk of "bit stripping" at all when using it direct if the volume is too low (<70%).

Wadia I think did it first with 6 x different levels on their top line dacs https://ibb.co/30WXsC1 but with user adjustable links inside. But if this option isn't there with a dac, then same can be done using a $49 Schiit Sys as max preset between dac and poweramp. 

Cheers George

manthik - I am considering replacing the potentiometer in my preamp with a  Slagle Autoformer. I have read about new projects/preamps that utilize his products, however have not seen anything on swap out/ replacements like I am contemplating. Are you able to point me toward some information other than their own website...

georgehifi - I have a Wadia with the adjustable gain. I have turned it down to the lowest voltage setting and still have the same issues. This is why I think my issue is with the  potentiometer, but the preamp manufacturer insists that there is nothing wrong. 
And Yes, I can connect the Wadia directly to Power amps and it works, however it sounds significantly better  when connected to the preamp - when its working...

Benchmark DAC's have internal pads that can be moved to lower the gain by 10 or 20 db. I have an older DAC1 and I use this feature when switching from a tube amp to a solid state amp. The DAC1 actually has a -30db pad as well. The pads lower gain on the balanced XLR output only but I use a custom cable that has an XLR connector on the DAC end and an RCA connector on the preamp end. (My tube preamp only has unbalanced input.)

@ggc, hello, sorry.  I think your best bet is to contact Slagle himself.  He has a variety of options that might work in your case.  He could probably help you figure out if his AVC would fit in place of your existing pot.  Another option is to bypass the existing pot in your preamp and use his EMIA passive remote AVC preamp as volume control for your preamp.  Only downside here is you will need an extra set of ICs.  I thought to do this (or at least have the flexibility to do this), but realized I like the AVC as its own standalone preamp better.  My EMIA preamp is wound in silver.