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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
david12 OP
1,454 posts
 
Thanks again for all your advise, I know my system is quite polite anyway. The power amp, Aleph 3 and Living Voice speakers, have a lovely sound, but do'nt pin you to tour chair
david12 OP
1,454 posts
 
well, I've taken the plunge and bought a YS Audio audio Experience Solo MC transformer. No I've never heard of it either, it's a Chinese manufactured valve transformer, reduced from $1000 to $360. If It does'nt work, no real harm done. I'll report back what I found and thanks again.
rockinroni's avatar
rockinroni
287 posts
 
So far a good thread
Even had a few laughs.
David your opinion on the tranny will be interesting.

by the way my shelter 501 .4mv into 60db gain (blackcube) is more that enough for me.

peace
Ron
thomasheisig
568 posts
 
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.
david12 OP
1,454 posts
 
Well the Audio experience Solo(currently on the Gon site, but about to time expire) is very impressive. straight from the box, without any run in time, the dynamics, base and soundstage are much better. It's a very nice little unit and good value at $360. It looks hand made, but whats wrong with that.
However it was probably all in vain. the Clearaudio unit I bought on E-bay was supposed to be set up for a maximum output of 57db, it was actually set to 49db. Not an enormous difference, but it was also supposed to have an input impedence of 100ohms, just right for my koetsu. It was actually set to 900ohms. No wonder the sound was anaemic. I will give the new unit a good run in time and then try back with the Clearaudio alone set up properly. Buying 2nd hand has got it's problems, but caveat Emptor. Thanks again for your input, that at least was set to the right gain
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