Can a preamp's gain be lowered?

It is funny that you have had problems with Cary (AES). Every time I called Cary and told the receptionist I wanted to talk to someone about an AES product technical support I got transfer immediately. He would look up the schematic and have an answer. One time he didn't have an answer and put me on hold for a very short time while he spoke to Dennis Hadd for an answer. I'm really impressed. (The only time I couldn't get transfered was at lunch from 12-1 EST)

Mjcmt, I appreciate your info. I've been emailing with Gerald at AES, but his replies have been intermittent and sparse. I haven't tried to call. Maybe I should have done that, but he seems either too busy to answer my questions or not interested in supplying information that doesn't directly lead to a service fee. From my perspective, I think it's a fair question to ask if resistors will be added to the signal path to reduce the gain or if the original circuit will be modified. If I sell the unit, I need to disclose any changes to the buyer.

At this point, I think my best option is to use in-line attenuators and keep the unit in stock form. I have a hunch Cary's mod would be the same thing, but tucked inside the chassis. If I use attenuators, I can change them at any point in time. A mod will be permanent.

I just bought a pair of Rothwell attenuators with -10 dB which is perfect for my situation. I think it's the right thing to do given that I can change the attenuation myself at any point in time. Thanks again, Mark

Mboldda1, I recently bought the Goldenjack attenuators from Iain in the UK (the -14dB version), and they allowed me to do away with my preamp and the set of ICs. They are very transparent, and allowed me to maximize the use of my DACT attenuator on my CDP. Highly recommended!