Step Up Transformers….Are they Worth the Trouble?
Some of you may aware of my Garrard 301 project, it’s now very close to completion. The plinth finally shipped from Hungry after 3 months of long wait.
Given my last experience with Hana Umami Red, I would like to take things to the next level. Which brings me to mating low output cart with a SUT. Every review I’ve read so far suggests when the SUT-MC match is right, the end result is heavenly. The bass is right, the midrange is clear, and most importantly, the highs are relaxed and extended—not rolled off.
I am not saying you can’t get great sound without a SUT but it appears with a properly matched SUT, sound can be quite magical.
Thought this would be the right time to get input from experienced users here since I am still contemplating my cartridge and outboard phonostage options.
My preference would be to go with a tube phono…I kinda miss tinkering with tubes :-)
My system, Garrard 301 (fully refurbished), Reed 3P tonearm, Accuphase E-650 with built-in AD50 analog board ➡️ Tannoy Canterbury’s.
Cart and phono under consideration through my dealer,
Fuuga - Output : 0.35 mVrms | Impedance : 2.5 Ω (1kHz)
Phonostage - Tron Convergence and Konus Audio Phono Series 1000
The cart - MC combination, I am lusting after is Etsuro Urushi Bordeaux MC with their Etsuro Transformer.
https://www.etsurojapan.com/product/bordeaux
The other transformer is EMIA, cooper or silver version.
Your input is appreciated!
If you just want to try for now, I would go with a Ned Clayton Cinemag 1254 off eBay. It's adjustable 4 ways and is no slouch. At least you can determine which amount of gain works for you and then you can go from there. A couple of other inexpensive SUTs to try are the Entre ET100 and maybe a Fidelity Research FRT4. They are adjustable also and have had good reviews. |
Hello lalitk. Yes SUTs can solve a lot of problems. Get the ones that use silver wire. Happy Listening! |
The point not to overlook is that a Phon' with a Built In MC / MM Channel can be a Phon' that has an MC Input that when experienced proves a real challenge for a MM Input being coupled to a SUT or Head Amp'. I could easily live with my multi adjustable MC Input on a owned / used Phon'. The options available by having both MC / MM Inputs and the additional devices that cans be added, has enabled myself to discover a end sound that satisfies myself, but not at the expense of leaving the MC Input unwanted. I demonstrate the MC Input to others, to help with their own learning about end sounds that can be produced. My preferred end sound is certainly not ubiquitous, and the MC Input has been very well liked by some of the individuals who have been introduced to it. |
@lalitk How about starting off with a top MM like a Nagaoka MP500 to get the turntable and phono amplification ball running? (I only use Decca cartridges on my 401 tables) You might be surprised, and it will, at least give you a reference point of what the 301/Reed sounds like without all the MC-based extras for relatively little money |
