Technically an 'attenuator' cuts the signal before any amplification stages.
Like my VAC Standard preamp, the 'volume control' really attenuates the incoming signal ONLY. so the preamp is always set to amplify that signal (from the input attenuator 100%) Thus it uses an "attenuator' and not really a volume control.
A volume control actually changes the active amplification of the signal, from well below less than what it comes in as, to increasing it. (many preamps sound better in the latter form, rather than cutting the signal.
A few preamps have two volume controls. And attenuator, AND a volume control.
(Like my Audio Research Sp-15) so the attenuator is set in large steps, 6dB each, and the main volume control has the usual many gradations. So the setting of the attenuator can be set to allow the best use of the main volume control. (which sounds best if in the top third of the control rotation generally) I like the design a lot. Only a device to set each input would be more useful.
but basically it only matters how it sounds to you best.
Like my VAC Standard preamp, the 'volume control' really attenuates the incoming signal ONLY. so the preamp is always set to amplify that signal (from the input attenuator 100%) Thus it uses an "attenuator' and not really a volume control.
A volume control actually changes the active amplification of the signal, from well below less than what it comes in as, to increasing it. (many preamps sound better in the latter form, rather than cutting the signal.
A few preamps have two volume controls. And attenuator, AND a volume control.
(Like my Audio Research Sp-15) so the attenuator is set in large steps, 6dB each, and the main volume control has the usual many gradations. So the setting of the attenuator can be set to allow the best use of the main volume control. (which sounds best if in the top third of the control rotation generally) I like the design a lot. Only a device to set each input would be more useful.
but basically it only matters how it sounds to you best.