In line Attenuators with Passive Preamps


Most digital sources output 2 volts or more. Most amplifiers come to full power at far less voltage. This scenario creates using much of the attenuation provided by a preamp.  One way around this is to use an in line attenuator between source and preamp.  

My questions are: 1) Should a in line attenuator be considered when using a passive pre?, 2) What in line attenuators might be useful? and, 3) What capacitive load do they add to the signal between source and amp? This would certainly be of importance when using a passive preamp.
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When I have used an attenuator, with an Audible Illusions MB3 and the 15db attenuated switch on my Lamm LL2.1 deluxe, it has been to reduce the gain by the said amount implied by the attenuator being used, I am not sure you will accomplish your desired goal other than running out of gain with the passive preamp you are using. 
Tooblue, yes, you may be right, at least in some circumstances. There are 10dB attenuators. If someone has a digital source outputting 3V, a 10dB attenuator would, if my thinking is correct, reduce the output to ~1V (Have not done the math). One volt may be enough to drive many amplifiers to the loudest desired level. There may be attenuators available that are of lower than 10dB attenuation. 

My primary concern is the capacitive issue when using a passive pre.
For what it is worth I had a set of adjustable attenuators made for me stepped in 2db steps so I could play around with things and also use as preamp per sey when driving a digital combo to my amp.
Donvito, Yes, the SYS is worthy product at it's cost. I own one and am currently using it. Need not get beyond 10 o'clock position for loudness. Was thinking I might remove so much potenteometer from signal path.

I believe I have over thought this issue. My best approach might be to purchase a better passive with different volume control. Luminous Audio with step ladder or Lightspeed. Will be used with a Nuforce STA200 or a Dynaco ST70 (original).