DVD line level question?

I had the exact same problem when I connected my Denon DVD player to my emmlabs DCC2 preamp using analog RCA interconnects. I was turning the preamp volume to double the number for music (via the emmlabs transport). You will find differences from one DVD player to another, but not extreme. I have been able to partially solve this problem by connecting my Denon DVD player to the DAC of the emmlabs DCC2 via a digital coax cable. Using the digital input into the DCC2, I can now reduce the preamp volume significantly although still not the same as my CD player. Moreover, the sound quality has improved by using the DAC of the emmlabs DCC2, rather than the Denon's own DAC. To do this, you have to go into the DVD player menu and set the digital output to PCM.

Some hard core enthusiasts actually recommend running the volume on the pre amp up as far as possible, as it allows you to hear the true sonics of the pre amp. So.. if you had gains on the amp, they would recommend turning the volume on the pre amp to 100%, and adjusting down the volume with the gains on the amplifier.

My point being, it should be just fine to run the volume up as loud as you need to be comfortable. Remember, just because the volume pot is cranked, doesn't necessarily mean the amp/pre amp is working very hard.

All DVD Players have less output when playing DVDs. If you play a CD in the unit, it will probably be louder.