You already have enough gain. What you don't have is enough phono stage. Listen to artemus_5 and skip the SUT and go straight to a better phono stage. Huge improvement. SUT will be a lateral, and depending on the interconnect maybe even go the wrong way.
Step up transformer or upgrade phono preamp?
So I’m looking to further develop my analog system. I currently have a vpi Aries scout with a jmw9 tonearm and a Soundsmith zephyr MIMC star going into a Vincent pho 701. I enjoy the sound I’m getting but I am constantly looking for “better”. More dynamics, higher resolution etc. I know my phono pre is the weak link in that lineup and I’m wanting to upgrade. So what are your thoughts? Upgrade the phonostage or invest into a separate SUT?