I also use a tiny strip of tape (red) on the volume knob of the Aria integrated to mark the setting. That helps avoid a loud surprise when playing that first song in a listening session! Yes, the Aria Signature volume knob is not particularly attractive but at least the user can see the volume setting. Personally, I like a simple LED light on the volume pot that is adjustable in brightness... but that's just me.
My previous integrated amplifiers and preamps all had a display, light or marking of some kind to show the volume setting. The lack of that feature is a shortcoming of the Aria, but easy enough to fix with colored tape. As for the rapid boost in volume around 10:00 upward, that's an issue not easily solved and best to live with if you love the Aria sound, as I do.