Sut?

[robd2]

Who is running with a Step Up Transformer and why? Or why not?

[GaryProtein]

Do you mean with Japanese equipment made to run on about 100 volts?

[PHC1]

http://www.rothwellaudioproducts.co....rs_explai.html

[vintage_tube]

Originally Posted by GaryProtein

Do you mean with Japanese equipment made to run on about 100 volts?

Phono grade --

Had one years ago -- Bob's Devices SUT --

Best Sir,

Bob

[robd2]

Interesting how some of the phono manufactures are starting to build them in. See: http://sutherlandengineering.com/products/mcx/

[mulveling]

I've been running Koetsu cartridges through SUT's for some years now. Guess I just settled on it shortly after I transitioned to Koetsu. They're a good match; you get a very full bodied, visceral, and dynamic sound; plenty of nose-free gain and you can keep the audible noise floor of a tube MM stage reasonable that way.

Started with a Cinemag 3440, then the Lundahls in a VAC Renaissance preamp, then Bob's Devices 1131, and now a Sky 20/10 and Sky 40. I've also tried the VAC Renaissance phono stage, which (I think I read) uses the same Lundahl SUT as in their $60K Statement phono stage. The Bob's devices Sky is a really sweet SUT. The 1131 is really good too if you find one used, but if buying new it's only $50 less than a Sky and the latter is clearly better (1131 is a tad grainy in comparison). I was frustrated back when I was interested in the Sky and couldn't find any 1131 vs. Sky comparisons. Well, now I know. Also if you buy a new Sky, it does require some burn-in before it will beat a used 1131 -- not a TON of hours, but definitely some (24 hours is ample).

The Shelter Harmony also does quite well out of them. The Ortofon Cadenza Bronze didn't do as well, for some reason -- seems to prefer active stages all the way, as it sounds better from my old Sonic Frontiers Phono 1SE+ with a JFET MC stage (whereas the Shelter and Koetsu sound way better from a SUT and MM tube stage).

Note that the cable between your SUT and phono stage is going to be incredibly crucial. And it really should be kept down to 0.5m max length. The normal sonic differences between cables will be amplified many times in this slot; worse as you go longer. I'm running an AQ WEL Signature LP from my SUTs, and it seems to be worth it.

[restock]

Depends on the cartridge and the phono stage:

For a tube phono stage I would always go with a step-up matched to the cartridge, e.g. a Shindo Giscours or a Leben RS30EQ phono with Auditorium 23 T2 Hommage step-up and EMT JSD S75 cartridge. Here the step-up bring out the best in both phono and cartridge.

On the other hand, my Allaerts MC1B works well with the T2 step-up, but really shines with a solid state MC phono like the Accuphase or Tom Evans. This is even more true for the Allaerts MC2 cartridge.

[Puma Cat]

I'm using a Bob's Devices SUT for my Koetsu Urushi Vermilion low-output (0.2mv) MC cartridge. Highest possible recommendation.

[Formerly YB-2]

Am using Lundahl SUTs that came in my Cary PH-302 and very pleased. Talk to Kevin at K&K Audio (the Lundahl importer) about your cartridge and the model SUT he would recommend.
http://www.kandkaudio.com/

[mtroo]

Is the SUT in addition to a dedicated phono stage?
Thanks.