Oomph or pressure?

The term “passive” is an unfortunate one since it includes both resistor-based attenuators and magnetics such as transformers and autoformers.  The complaints often leveled against “passives” relate to problems with dynamics and drive, as others have mentioned, but those complaints pertain to resistor-based passives, not magnetics.  At least that has been my experience.

The OP, however, raised similar complaints about his autoformer, something I have not experienced with mine or heard about from other users.  That’s why I questioned whether he may have a problem with inadequate drive from his source.

I don’t think that’s the issue, it does seem like I have to turn the volume up to around 2 or 3 to get it to have that fullness or pressure in the room.

I will say this is by far the best passive I have had and I have tried a few.

i actually went to a passive because of my system and only. Being able to barely turn the volume knob with the active preamps I have had.

my amp is different now in that it has a volume knob so some gain can be thrown away at the amp end.
 
My question was mainly if with the right setup can I get room filling pressure at a lower volume.

but this Emia is quite something to hear, may just keep it and try some other options

The complaints often leveled against “passives” relate to problems with dynamics and drive, as others have mentioned, but those complaints pertain to resistor-based passives, not magnetics.

I have resistive, opto-coupler, photo cell, transformer, autoformer, and potentiometer passives. While I admit paying attention to impedance matching is important to maintain dynamics and drive, you can have those issues with any of the passive topologies, singling out resistive passives as a problem child is just plain silly. FWIW I also have Atmasphere MP-3 and Beveridge RM-1/RM-2 active preamps. My passives give up very little to nothing against them.

52tiger - I was curious about your question and if it is sufficient volume level to load the room then just turn it up. I operate my passives anywhere from 1 to 3 o'clock on the control. Slage's autoformers are well made. I have a set and they measured very well. Enjoy your Emia.

Clio09 - You have more experience so maybe my generalization was wrong.  The Emia/Intact Audio autoformer is the only magnetic attenuator I have tried.