Audio Research SP16 annoying volume control

Or consider something like the Rothwell attenuators. Might be your cheapest solution. I haven't tried them, but heard good things about them. Search the discussions for Rothwell Attenuators. They might do the trick.

Kingmonkey88 - Had the same problem with an older SP8 that I had upgraded. Not enough options at the low end of the volume scale. Also had some of that problem with the LS15. This was with an ARC amp (and several other amps). I think Elberoth2 and others nailed it (and this is what I'm doing): Send the pre-amp in ane get the gain reduced. It's a bit of a pain, but worth it.

Audphile has a good suggestion, by far the easiest, cheapest way to deal with excess gain. I'm using a -10db. pair between my cd player and preamp with no audible degradation I can hear. It will give you finer incremental volume adjustments.

An ARC amp will not likely resolve this problem, as others have told you. I had the same problem with an ARC LS25MKII preamp with two different ARC solid state power amps (150.2 & 300.2). It was resolved when I purchased the newer ARC LS26 preamp.

It seems your most inexpensive option would be to send it back to ARC and have the gain modification done. My experience in dealing with ARC to resolve any equipment issues has been excellent.

Best of luck

I had the brand new SP16l for less than 2 weeks and I sold it at a big loss after ARC sent it back to me and the annoying abrupt level control did not get any better but worse. It is not the mismatch pre/amp issue. It is the flaw of the SP16 design. If your tolerant level is like mine, please do not send it back and wish for a good fix. It won't happen. Live with it or sell it.