Can a preamp's gain be lowered?

The manufacturer or a modifier can do it internally/elegantly.

The Rothwells degraded the sound my system. They are available.

The Endler attenuators cost more, but the sound was much better in my system.

This is a FAQ. Preamp gain, especially tube preamp gain, is far too high for line sources when the speakers are of average (say 88 db) efficiency. The cure is to put resistance at the amplifier input. The easy way to determine the amount needed is to put a potentiometer (volume control) in the line and measure the amount of resistance required to make the preamp volume control usable. Any tech can do this for you. I got especially peeved when I had the amp and preamp from the same manufacturer and the same series (CJ in my case) and the mismatch was horrid. A switch and a few resisters at the power amp input is the fix which the manufacturer should provide.

in the case of tube preamps, what about using lower gain tubes?

I appreciate the suggestions.

The manufacturer or a modifier can do it internally/elegantly.

I like this idea. I sent a message to Cary and AES to find out what they recommend. I'm waiting to hear from them.

A switch and a few resisters at the power amp input is the fix which the manufacturer should provide.

When preamps offer switchable gain, is it usually a voltage divider design?

Along with Rothwell and Endler, I found Harrison Labs. The Endlers use Yaego metal film resistors which are about the cheapest resistors you can get. This doesn't instill confidence that they're transparent. Rothwell and Harrison don't say what they use.

I'll wait to hear from Cary to find out what they say. The gain of the AE-3 DJH is 20 dB which is definitely high... especially for me since I've been using passive preamps the past year.

07-25-08: Mboldda1
in the case of tube preamps, what about using lower gain tubes?

Is there such a thing as low gain 6SN7's?