Volume level of ARC Ref 5 seems very high

This is not something I normally do so you would have to contact the factory. Changing the overall gain of the line stage could change the sonic character as well. The other issue involves changing the overall gain for those who play vinyl and have separate phone stages. Since you would have less gain in the high level stage that could cause a gain issue depending of course on the cartridge you use, speaker sensitivity etc. There is no easy solution. To cause the least amount of sonic damage, changing the gain on the CD input may be a better option.

Would some thing like this work?

http://www.rothwellaudioproducts.co.uk/html/attenuators.html

Amuseb,
Nice speakers! I`d really like to hear those hornings one day. These speakers are quite efficient and you have more system gain than you require.

I had this problem initially (my speakers are 94 db at 8 ohms)with my linestage having 20 db of gain.Could`nt go pass 10 oclock volume setting for most recordings(too loud). I had the builder lower the gain to 10 db and things have been fabulous since(ultra low noise floor).Lowering the gain in your ARC preamp will solve your problem.
Regards,

Hi,
There is a misunderstanding here. The Horning need a hi-end system. Aresearch/Jadis is for speakers muffled, that need to be scratched to put some detail on the outside, like Wilson.

The Horning are a must