If I understand your question correctly: The "volume" knob on your preamp IS a "gain" control. Hence- There is no actual difference since the are both really amplifiers(one a pre-amplifier and the other a pre-pre-amplifier). As Mr V stated: The one you choose to increase your "gain" through can impact your signal greatly.
Gain versus volume
In a non technical format can one explain the difference between raising the volume up on your pre-amp versus raising the gain setting on your phono pre-amp.
For example: raising my volume control on my Aesthetix pre-amp to a higher level versus raising the gain on my Rhea for 62db to 68db???
Tks!
Rick (RWD)
For example: raising my volume control on my Aesthetix pre-amp to a higher level versus raising the gain on my Rhea for 62db to 68db???
Tks!
Rick (RWD)