Wayner is correct, you inadvertently plugged a line level source into the RIAA phono preamp inputs of your preamplifer and overloaded this special phono cartridge amplification circuit and caused much higher output volume than you had expected.
In all AVA preamplifiers, the optional phono circuits, if installed, will always be on the first set of input jacks, marked either SPECIAL, or LINE 1 on our newest models.
You can usually tell if the phono circuits are installed by noting if there is a thumb nut ground installed on the back panel near the first set of inputs. If the unit has the RIAA phono circuit option, the thumb nut assembly will be installed. Without the phono section, this ground assembly will not be installed. In that case, the first set of inputs are another set of line level inputs.
If in doubt, never plug any source into the first set of input jacks except the output directly from your vinyl record playing turntable. If you are using a separate RIAA phono preamp such as the Hegerman Bugle, its output goes into any of the line level inputs as the RIAA equalization and amplification has already be accomplished by the outboard unit.
And of course, your are welcome to call us for help about the operation of your AVA preamp (or any other audio device, AVA made or not). We enjoy providing you with good advice regarding your audio system use.
Our phono number is 651-330-9871. We answer the phone between 9 and 4:30 central time and you can catch me in the office on weekends often too.
Regards,
Frank Van Alstine
PS, if you purchased an AVA preamplifier used and it does not have the RIAA phono preamplifier circuits installed, we normally can add the phono circuits after the fact at a reasonable price.