It sounds as if your amp's volume control is merely an input attenuator and not a gain stage as a true integrated would have. Expected results would be different if it was a gain stage. In that case running it at full might have an unwanted effect on SQ. That you notice the opposite says it is just an attenuator, so running it at full removes it from the circuit, and no harm done.
Class A Tube integrated amp running 100% volume
Hi, has anyone tried this?
I have a Theta DAC, passive pre-amp and a prototype Class A 2A3 integrated amp (all tube from PSU through to output transformers). The amp sounds great but due to it being a prototype has a volume pot and switch that (let's be kind) aren't the best (and creaky). If I plug in my passive pre (with switched resistors) and have the volume on the integrated at 100%, the sound quality is elevated brilliantly. Now, obvious question. Am I damaging my amp running at 100% volume even though my pre-amp is attenuating?
Thank you for your help in what might seem a really dumb question.