Step Up Transformers….Are they Worth the Trouble?

Echoing the comments on how important it is to find the right match between cartridge and SUT, I was fortunate enough to evaluate three different SUTs after upgrading to my current Koetsu Blue Lace.  I auditioned the CS Port (which I thought would be a good match with my turntable), SA Labs, and Koetsu. Each produced a very different listening experience and in the end, I went with the Koetsu.  I can't recall the exact sonic differences (it was a year ago), but the Koetsu stood out as providing the most balanced and revealing improvements, versus the others which seemed to overemphasize certain elements. 

Bottom line: if you can "test drive" several different transformers, I suspect you will find the right one in the end. 

“trans impedance phono”
@willy-t

Thanks for your recommendation. I already have Konus Audio Vinyle Phono (trans impedance) on my list to audition with Fuuga cart.
http://www.konus-audio.com/vinyle-3000mc.html

@jazdoc

Thank you for chiming in. That’s exactly I wanted to know! I concur with your feedback on Fuuga but find your assessment on Bordeaux bit perplexing. Other users and reviewers have not reported this cart to be analytical. Very detailed, slightly dark and full bodied sound overall but not analytical. I wonder, what could possibly the reason for Bordeaux to sound slightly analytical in your system…is it the silver wound SUT cause I found Silver to be ultra detailed that could lead to sound being analytical. Some folks dig this, it’s certainly not my cup of tea. I once had all Silver wire loom in my system…while it was all very exciting and sparkly at the beginning; eventually I couldn’t listen to my system over couple of hours.

Now, you’re the 4th person mentioned Etsuro ‘Gold’. I may end up there but it’s not in the cards right now. I have already pushed my budget to Bordeaux from Cobalt Blue thinking Bordeaux as sweet spot in Etsuro lineup and a cart I could live with for a while before moving to something else. I could be wrong in thinking that Etsuro Gold may be an overkill in my current system 🤷‍♂️

I look forward to hearing your impressions with Bordeaux + EMIA. 

My current system renders a romantic, slightly warm with a touch of mystique soundstage. The mid-range is simply magical. Lot of this I attribute to careful tweaking over the years, dealer support and my choice of gear plus the cables.

This is going to be a fun ride as I tread deep into analog world, hopefully without going bankrupt…lol! Thank you all for your feedback so far…keep it coming.

love the Etsuro combo, though have not heard either.  SUTs hard to hear at dealers for obvious reasons.  But regarding other SUTs that I myself am contemplating replacing my Rothwell with (Cartridge is Urushi Tsugaru) are:

-Koetsu (of course)

-Consolidated Audio

-Treehaus

-Antiphon

-Swissonor (Hashimoto HM-7)

-Auditorium 23 Homage T1

-Airtight

Hope that helps.  Pictures please (of Garrard)

@mdalton 

That’s an impressive list of SUT’s (thank you). I will be taking a hard look at some of them. 

Check out the SUT’s from Jensen, Made In USA. I love mine with the Denon dl103. Not sure what the price is nowadays, but I paid I believe $599 a few years ago. I also own a Rothwell headamp, but have not employed it yet.