[jedgar]

Thoughts and experience requested. 

I have efficient speakers (Tannoy DC 4000) and plenty of power (AVA Synergy 240,120 wpc). 

I seldom use more than the 1st 20% of volume control knob. Never had past 30% I am guessing.

 Some say that lower volume control reduces signal/sound AND sound quality. 

Tonight I am trying the low gain button on the Transcendence preamp.  This marginally lowers the amount of signal reduction via volume control while listening to The Thelonious Monk Quartet (Monks Dream, LP re-issue) and Ellington/Hodges (Back to Back high res CD reissue).  Wonderful music by the way.

At least this evening, I am not hearing sound qualities differences with the low gain button activated and control changed to equal volume.

When I have a bit more energy I'll pop up and down and try some a/b observations.  I wonder what others' experience using the low gain option has been.  In terms of potential sound quality variation, is the volume control function any different than the low gain button?

I'm such a lucky guy to be able to have peace, time, gear, space and ears  to consider these questions. 

[SJ David]

I have used this function in my CF tube pre. I have two sets of speakers including a pair of Klipsch Forte. These models are spec'd about 6-7 dB high in sensitivity than the other pair. The low gain feature was selected for the Klipsch in order to keep my average volume control settings the same as with the other pair.
 
I have not compared high-gain setting to low on the same speaker to gauge any difference in sound quality, specifically. I have not noticed any drop-off in sound switching between the two settings. But I did feel that allowing the preamp to have a wider range of attenuation allowed me to fine tune the volume better with the higher sensitivity of the Klipsch. Especially via the remote control.