I understood it as: You would get that distortion anytime the volume control (gain) was at that setting...i.e., 75% or 80% or whatever it was.

If you left the gain on the amp at 100% (all the way up), you would be fine in controlling your actual output level by using a preamp while inputting...and controlling your volume with that.

::::::: No disrespect to Axiom, but my favorite woofer is my yellow lab :::::::