Aqvox 2CI Direct Input

I don't have the 2CI yet. It's on its way but will keep you posted. One of the main reasons why I was on the fence is because the Linto is so well accepted and I don't know if the 2CI would be an upgrade. Would you know if the gain controls on the 2CI are stepped attenuators or volume pots? From the 2 dB steps, I would assume it's a stepped attenuator.

No, the gain controls are volume pots with the 0-14 db additional gain range simply silk screened onto the front panel for each control/channel. You can adjust anywhere within that range. I just ended up with 2 db additional gain because that was appropriate for me.

I run the AQVOX directly into my power amps, but they have volume controls (Decware SE84B monoblocks). In any case, the 14 dB doesn't provide enough attenuation for me.

I read the same positive-feedback.com review Hdm mentions, but haven't been able to optimize the attenuators' position as easily. There's no overload with them all the way up that I hear. So I've been keeping them at 6 (1 o'clock).

That's what I wanted to hear Maxson. Overload was the main concern I had. I run a passive pre anyways, so removing that from the signal path can only be good. Is there sonic benefits to driving the amp directly over a preamp? I see a Dact stepped attenuator mod in my future.

Actually it was a revelation--removing the Counterpoint SA-1000 from the system. Could crank the volume much higher without distortion, several veils removed, etc.

Like I said above, tho, the AQVOX attenuators don't give you enough range.