I don't know how to reduce the analog input sensitivity. It may or may not be accessible through the onboard controller, but I would have to access the configuration via a PC. I haven't ventured into that yet. The distortion only occurs on certain CD's. There is no correlation between the loudness of the recording and the distortion, as far as I know thus far.
I assume you mean interconnects when you mention ICs? My preamp is not balanced. I have RCAs on one end of the cables and XLRs on the other. The Air20s have in input impedance of 3000 ohms for unbalanced and 10,000 for balanced. I have no idea what the output impedance on my preamp is (Tube Audio Design DAC/pre). I cannot find the specs on it. But you may be on to something, the impedance may be mismatched.
Thanks for your input.