CD output voltage too high for preamp: what to do?

Best solution would be to have Ayre, or someone with the schematic to reduce the output of the CD player. I have no idea of the topology of the output circuit, be it discrete or op-amp based. I am assuming its solid state, maybe not. If it's tube, it should be quite simple. Barring that, I agree with Eldartford. A pair of high quality series/shunt metal film (or carbon comp.,if you want to go retro) resistors right across the solder tags of the CD input RCAs on your preamp will beat the snot out of adding another attenuator in series with your preamp volume control. Another attenuator adds increased capacitance; switch or slider contacts; and in most cases a reduction in the impedance your CD player has to drive. If you're interested I'll post the equation to determine the values.

The endler variable attenuators can be used as a volume control or with an active pre amp. That is what I used them for. Put them at your amp inputs or pre inputs if you only want CD volume reduced.

As I said they work extremely well. They look a little ungainly but are totally transparent.

Downunder

I noticed you have a premier 350, I do as well and since installing it in my system, I too have a gain issue. Do the Endlers have any effect on the sound other than attenuation and I assume by your comment that the Rothwells do effect the quality of sound.

Chuck

Hi Chuck. I use the attenuators plugged into the amp inputs and on about 8db attenuation.That got rid of the gain noise I was experiencig between the pre and power. The Endlers are truely transparent, no real difference between the attenuators attached and not attached, except for the gain.
I was sceptical as well, but decided to try them and I am very pleased., The Rothwell attenuators are quite coloured and change the sound of the amp too much.

BTW, I don't use them anymore as I sold my VTL 7.5 and using a cj pre amp. The cj has the same amount of gain as the VTL, however there is no noise.

Thanks to everyone for their suggestions. I did set the Audible Illusions dip switches to minimum gain without enough of a change in volume. I will look into attenuators both at the pre inputs and inside the AI directly on the CD RCA plugs. Hifi57audio, I'd appreciate it if you'd let me know the formula to calculate the resistor values. I contacted Ayre: they won't adjust the CDP.
Illenema2 thought that the AI pre doesn't do well with attenuators at all. Does anyone have more thoughts on a change in preamp, although that solution is the most expensive!