since i am running the empeg through my existing pioneer unit, what should i keep the empeg set at with regards to volume? or should i leave the pioneer set at a particular volume and adjust volume with the empeg?

Since the Empeg is going into the Line Level input on the Pioneer, it should be set at 0db and you should use the Pioneer to adjust the volume. Assuming everything is hooked up properly, this should allow the Empeg to be at about the same volume as the Pioneer CD player and the Pioneer radio, as well as giving the best audio quality out of the Empeg.

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Tony Fabris