I think that you have a gain issue and Fred's solution would be the best if you have a single ended (RCA) input.

Operating near the top of the Volume control range is not a problem unless the output is too low -- indicating that the system needs more gain. A Volume control taper that results in "loud" at only 25% rotation results in a feeling of "powerful", but the system is difficult to control. Low end system manufacturers are very aware of this and make sure that their system is "powerful" by incorporating very aggressive control tapers. If the users of these systems upgrade to a quality, much more powerful system that has a gentler control taper, the user will often think that the upgrade is less "powerful".