My New Obsession - Vinyl

[gaboudreaux]

Can't help but follow the analog discussions now. Sorry for the inexperienced question, but what is SUT?

[2fastdriving]

Originally Posted by gaboudreaux

Can't help but follow the analog discussions now. Sorry for the inexperienced question, but what is SUT?

Step up transformer, needed for very low output moving coil cartridges unless you have a phono pre that can accommodate such a cartridge. I'm not sure if there is a benefit to using one with a phono pre that has Mc inputs.

[scirica]

As I understand it, when I have the SUT in place I will be using the 47k ohm (MM) input on my C2500.

[gaboudreaux]

Originally Posted by 2fastdriving

Step up transformer, needed for very low output moving coil cartridges unless you have a phono pre that can accommodate such a cartridge. I'm not sure if there is a benefit to using one with a phono pre that has Mc inputs.

Ah ha... thanks Mark. Learning something new everyday here lately about analog.

[audio bill]

Originally Posted by 2fastdriving

Step up transformer, needed for very low output moving coil cartridges unless you have a phono pre that can accommodate such a cartridge. I'm not sure if there is a benefit to using one with a phono pre that has Mc inputs.

A step up transformer is used with a low output MC cartridge feeding the MM input as an alternative to using the active MC stage of a phono preamp. Whether the transformer or active MC stage sounds better is dependent upon their relative quality and how well a specific cartridge matches each. I generally prefer the sound of an active stage, but there are some cases where a given transformer can be superior. Like most things in this hobby there don't seem to be any absolutes in my experience.

[advanced101]

Wow, what a great civil audio discussion.

I'm a transformer fan myself. Although I can see the points people make for active stages. I usually prefer properly matched SUTs for carts lower than .35. The one case against them is that you now introduce another break in the chain. And IME the cabling between the SUT and the phono stage is just as important as from the tonearm to SUT. I do like the idea of SUTs built into the phono since it solves that issue but then you lose a little bit of the freedom in choosing the Trannys themselves. Everything about this stuff is a give and take.

I have an idea for my dream phono stage where it is custom built with the trannys I want mated to a SS phono stage run off one of Vinnie Rossis Ultracap external supplies.

[Formerly YB-2]

Originally Posted by scirica

"Need" isn't the operative word when one is obsessed.

Perfectly stated.

Another fan of SUTs. My Cary PH-302 uses a pair of Lundahl SUTs for the low-level inputs. This is a decent article on SUTs... the whats and howfors, etc.
6moons audio reviews: MC Step-Up Transformers - A Primer

[advanced101]

Originally Posted by Formerly YB-2

Perfectly stated.

Another fan of SUTs. My Cary PH-302 uses a pair of Lundahl SUTs for the low-level inputs. This is a decent article on SUTs... the whats and howfors, etc.
6moons audio reviews: MC Step-Up Transformers - A Primer

I had a K&K Maxxed Out Phono that had the Silver Lundahls SUTs. I liked them, although never compared them against other external SUTs.

[mjw21a]

Yes, I use Cinemag 1254 for some of my carts and vintage Jensen copper foil SUT for others. I find the Cinemag is fantastic with my Fidelity Research FR-1 Mk3 and Supex SD900 Super cartridges whereas the Jensen is better for my Hana and Denon cartridges.

[mtroo]

Originally Posted by scirica

As I understand it, when I have the SUT in place I will be using the 47k ohm (MM) input on my C2500.

I have an Avenger that will be coming soon and am considering the Orotofon A95 cartridge. You are using an Ortofon SUT, I believe. Did you audition other SUTs? Why the Ortotfon?
Thanks.