Sounds like a gain issue. What is the gain rating on your current amp? I have several different amps with different gains each, having nothing to do with power rating. If amp X has more gain than amp Y then the speakers playing from amp X at a volume setting at 10 o'clock on the same preamp with be louder.
Seems like the common component is the CD player, whether direct or through the preamp. Maybe it is your CD player that has more gain and is causing the issue? I have two CD players with volume control. One I can turn up all the way and have tolerably loud music. The other CDP gets too loud at about 60% of full volume. Note - this is when they are being run variable output direct to the amp.
Seems like the common component is the CD player, whether direct or through the preamp. Maybe it is your CD player that has more gain and is causing the issue? I have two CD players with volume control. One I can turn up all the way and have tolerably loud music. The other CDP gets too loud at about 60% of full volume. Note - this is when they are being run variable output direct to the amp.