More output from Analog set up, MC Transformer?


I am pretty happy with my set up of Origin Live Oasis S/Illustrious/ Koetsu Rosewood Signature into a Clearaudio Reference phono stage, Conrad johnson Premier 17, Pass labs Aleph 3, Living Voice Avatar speakers, cabling is Acoustic Zen. i am happy with it, but the Clearaudio is rated at 57db of gain and the CJ needs the wick cranked up to 50 to 60/100 for a good output.
The koetsu is rated at .6mv of gain, I am not convinced, I feel it is probably lower. The sound lacks a little oomph. The set up is detailed and polite and that's the way I like it, but the analog sound is a little too polite. I do'nt want to change the basic set up, it makes a great sound, but do you think an MC transformer would give the sound a bit more grunt, if so which? Presumably I only need 10 to 20db of extra gain. Am I completely on the wrong track, looking to a transformer to improve things? Thanks for any advise
david12

Showing 2 responses by thomasheisig

Auditorium 23 transformer ( posted from Tbg ), I have this one here ( loan from a friend ), true is, there is worse out there, fact is, I made my post above after using that one, too.
Well, normally the gain should be enough for the 0.6mV of the Koetsu. Anyway, all I can say is, I stay away from transformers after trying a few and listening to a few. They push the Gain, right, but when connected to a FIRST RATE Phono preamp, they change the sound. I know, there are different opinions out there, but I made my decision. When you want to go on with Analog, go for a Phono Preamp which is adjustable.