Aqvox 2CI Direct Input

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.

Wow. The SA-1000 is no slouch either. Maybe a Dact stepped attenuator is in your future too. I rarely listen to CDs so this is the most likely implementation for me.

I just got my MkII version and did a bit of surgery to an Extemephono Silver cable converting from RCA to XLR. The pots do adjust the dynamics of the sound. Too little and the sound is flat and too much and there is a bit of overload on my system. Mine is dialed in at 12:00 o'clock. My initial comment is that the Linto is quieter with more depth. The 2CI has more immediacy and a more robust dynamic sound. Bass articulation is a strong point. I just need to fiddle with it to get the noise level down. Maybe it will go away with break-in. I plan on doing similar mods like the Underwood/PS Audio GCPH mods, that is, Soundcoat chassis damping and ERS Paper and maybe upgrading the fuse to a HifiTuning Gold Fuse.

If you only have a few hours on it, don't make any judgements as it should improve considerably as it breaks in over the next few days. I'd be curious about your tweaks so please keep us posted on that. A DIY DH Labs power cord (Marinco IEC and male) that I also had cryoed was an excellent, very cost effective upgrade on the Aqvox for me ($75 Cnd. from Parts Connexion).