I've been using tube guitar amps for 20 years. I think I know how the damn volume control works, and the gain control. Anyone who knows anything about tube amps and distortion realizes that the best sounding saturated distortion when playing full on rock (ie. Megadeth, etc...) happens when the tubes are pushed hard. Can't do that at a low volume and get the correct "tone", especially with this amp. And unless you own a 5150 combo or similar high gain amp don't make any more stupid suggestions.