Gain and sensitivity question....

[weinstro]

Hi,

For years I used a Mitsubishi DA-R20 receiver with the preamp connected to a Hafler DH-200. Over time, the receiver has become problematic and had to be parked while I decide to repair it or not.

So, I acquired an Audio Refinement Pre2-DSP, and connected that to the Hafler. No other system changes were made. It sounds clearer, but the gain is way, way less. For example, when the gain is set at +10dB (the max), one most focus to clearly hear dialogue in a movie. Music is a bit better. No way is this thing near clipping, though. With the old rig, setting the volume at ~10 o'clock was plenty loud. The DVD player is an Oppo DV-981HD.

What gives? It seems like I'm missing 10-20dB.

Thanks!