Volume problems

I recently purchased an older-model Simaudio Celeste i-5 integrated amp, a near-new Simaudio Equinox cd-player, Nordost Blue Heaven interconnects and some high quality speaker cables leading to my existing Coincident Triumph monitor speakers. My problem is that even at the lowest volume setting, music (on most CD's anyway) comes through too loud to be able to enjoy conversation at the same time. Other than volume, the sound is absolutely wonderful. Does anyone have any ideas as to what might be causing the volume problem?