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