Too much gain for your loudspeaker/room is a common problem in component matching. I, and probably many others, have lived with a linestage volume range between 6 and 9:00 knowing it's not the optimal range for our linestages. In my current system I use a balanced linestage custom-built with internally switchable zero and +6dB gain, and still had to pull a voltage gain tube from my Atma Ma-1 amps to allow the linestage to run in its sweet spot. With so many high gain linestages and amps out there, excessive gain can require unconventional solutions. For me, reality is that my Atma MA-1 amps play with less distortion at say, 30 watt output than their smaller siblings, the M-60s do. So it's not as simple as substituting the less powerful amps and pocketing the cost difference. You may want to try a cheap used zero gain TVC or EVS/Endler resistor volume control in place of your preamp to determine how significant the voltage gain of your amp alone is in your system. You could keep the passive as a spare or sell for little penalty later.
Thoughts on new amp
I currently have a Bryston 4B (200wpc) amp to CJ pv10 Pre (tubed) to Alon Model 1 speakers (88dB). The amp seems to be overpowering the rest, I can't turn the pre past 9:00 and keep it under wall shaking decibels. I would like more volume control at lower listening levels. That said, I am thinking about moving to a tube amp(s) since I like the sound/tone of them. What size amp should I be looking for? I almost had a deal for a Dynaco ST70 and am still considering moving in that direction. I have a budget of around $1k and would like to go used to maximize that. What are the benefits to going with 2 amps as opposed to 1 more powerful? So there it is, I am happy with the warmth of tube gear, ready to trade out the big old Bryston-workhorse that she is for a more refined tube amp. All ideas and help are very much appreciated- you guys have got me this far and I am enjoying my music more than at any point in my life.
Very Grateful
Zen
Very Grateful
Zen