I don't deny that

I found it "surprising" because I normally prefer analog volume control over the SBT's digital one. Then again, it shouldn't surprise me at all, since the pot on the TP60 HAS to be a low quality one due to the low price tag.

Unfortunately, the better pots just won't fit in the small case. So yea, a good pre seems like the best solution. Looks like I'm rediscovering the wheel!