Reddit reviews Harrison Labs 12 dB RCA Line Level Audio Attenuator Pair

This sounds to me like a classic case of sensitivity mismatch. Your audio source is putting out a signal (usually around 1V for modern devices) much higher than was expected on the input of a lot of vintage gear (around 150 mV for all but phono) for maximum power output.

With too hot of an input, it takes a shorter travel of the volume control to reach maximum voltage or even start clipping. You might try a passive attenuator in line with the input to knock the signal level down a bit.

Are you talking about something like this?

http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B0006N41B0?pc_redir=1404627550&robot_redir=1

And if so any way to describe how much 12dB would be for reduction? The lowest volume isn't painfully loud, it's just currently too loud to listen to at night without people getting angry.

I recently fixed up an old BSR autochanger (ceramic cartridge) and have it running through a receiver (with ceramic phono function) to speakers+subwoofer. My issue is that the sound is VERY bass-heavy even with subwoofer bass all the way off.

If I run them directly to speakers+subwoofer (without the receiver), the music is much more balanced, but doesn't get as loud as I like. I've been looking at attenuator plugs like these to help balance the sound when running through the receiver. Would that help? What else can I try?

A couple notes: this is my dad's old turntable that I decided to fix up as a fun project. YES I know ceramic cartridges aren't great, and YES I will upgrade to a better TT when I scrape up enough cash.

I believe the 2Track just goes straight through at Unity, with no attenuation. You'd have to turn down the volume on the game itself, or insert a pad inline.