I don't have a problem with a word of what you've said. I'm just sort of amazed that it takes a tutorial to use a simple vintage power amp properly, especially for an owner of 4343s. This is not the only time here, and certainly elsewhere, where the simple input attenuator controls have proven baffling for otherwise savvy hi-fi fanatics. I figured the "set the pre-amp at 3/4 volume and turn up the Crown knobs until the sound is at normal listening level" was fairly simple, too. I don't run any of my Crowns at full-open because it doesn't give me enough use of the pre-amp volume pot and can cause imbalance, as we saw in another thread. It's not "my way or the highway". All suggestions so far have been sound and helpful. It really is a very simple concept. Crank it up!!
And given that Crown is one company that goes out of their way to provide on-line forums, libraries of owner's manuals, and other good stuff for free, it really is a simple concept that shouldn't cause such confusion. If it continues to be confusing, I have a NIB set of dummy knobs in a kit supplied by Crown for installed applications that make it impossible to change the input attenuator settings, once set. I'll trade the kit for a set of normal knobs!
RTFM comes to mind but I'm an understanding guy.