Audacity input volume

I started using this program and noticed that if I put the input slider at .9 when I look at the saved wav file it shows .9 to 1 compression. If I lower the gain in my phono pre I can record at 1 and the wav file shows 1 to 1.

Is there any sonic difference between the two?

I am recording my lp collection using 24/96 and want the best possible sound.

Thanks for your help.

Todd