[Conmoto22]

Phono->XPS-1(phono-preamp)->Candela pre(<2kohm output)->NAD 658(22 kohms + 100pF input)->Khartago monos->Caladans

First time with the above setup and really happy with the sound, but both the Candela and NAD volume settings are quite a bit higher than usual to achieve desired listening level. Candela is 2 o'clock position and NAD reads -28db. I assume this has to do with impedance. Disclaimer: I'm not tech smart. I just like good audio.

- Do the above impedances create a dangerous situation for any components?
- Should I increase the volume on one component more than the other?
- There've been a couple instances of slight distortion. Why?
- What does the NAD's "+100pF" mean?

Thanks in advance for the education.

[js1955]

Your setup is unclear to me.....

Why are you running a preamp into a preamp?  (Candela into NAD 658)

Also, the NAD has a phono stage.   Have you tried TT directly into that? 
That is, eliminate XPS-1 and Candela.

If you prefer SQ of XPS-1 phono stage to NAD's internal one, run the XPS into the NAD analog input.

I assume the "+100pF" is the capacitance of the NAD's internal phono section, plus the tonearm cable.

[Conmoto22]

I originally ran TT into NAD to take advantage of DIRAC. On a whim, I added the Candela to the chain (after adding different tubes) and found that it sounded better. I also tried going to the NAD into Candela (without XPS), but Candela into NAD still sounded better.

[js1955]

I originally ran TT into NAD to take advantage of DIRAC. On a whim, I added the Candela to the chain (after adding different tubes) and found that it sounded better. I also tried going to the NAD into Candela (without XPS), but Candela into NAD still sounded better.

I hear ya.....and I understand.

I'm a tube guy myself.  Anytime I use my Redgum integrated (solid state), I run a tubed line stage into one of its line inputs. 
Gotta have that tube flavor. Doable because the Redgum line section is passive.  Not doable into an active line section.

As far as balancing out the two volume pots, I just do it by ear to what sounds best, at the volume I listen at.