SUT - electrical theory and practical experience


Some vinyl users use a SUT to enhance the signal of the MC cartridge so that it can be used in the MM input of a phono stage.  Although I don't understand the theory behind it, I realize that a SUT should be matched individually to a particular cartridge, depending on the internal impedance of the MC, among other things.  

Assuming an appropriately / ideally matched SUT and MC, What are the inherent advantages or disadvantages of inserting a SUT after the MC in the audio chain?  Does the SUT theoretically enhance or degrade the sound quality?  What does the SUT actually do to the sound quality? 

Thanks. 

drbond

Dear @holmz  : I was in a hurry when my post to op but I gone thinking that's the whole context what is behind what Palmer posted.  He participated in that technical loading thread that after some posts took other road.

 

I can't remember but I think that in other threads you and he had a very interesting technically posts.

 

R

Thanks Sir.
Which Palmer, or what is their moniker?

@atmasphere also posted in that thread a bit.

Those threads may also help @drbond 

 

Was it in here

 

It seems like we maybe venturing slightly off topic with respect to SUT and SQ, but perhaps it is related, as SUT are magnetic-electrical devices, as are cartridges, which seems to be primarily magnetic and secondarily electrical devices (if electromagnetism can even be split up like that), but here is an interesting overview of magnetism, which seems to indicate that current is more directly related to magnetic devices, as opposed to voltage, although both current (I) and Voltage (V) are related by ohms law V = IR:

“Magnetic flux and current go hand in hand, and they have the differences. When current is induced in an area there will be magnetic flux and this magnetic flux will be opposite to that of the normal flux.

Now there will be a coil where we will induce current into it and then we can see the production of a magnetic flux. we see that when there is current induced there will automatically be an electric field and magnetic field produced inside the coil. So now when there is both magnetic and electric field there will also be flux lines.

Magnetic flux is simply the quantity which measures the amount of magnetic force that passes through a unit area per unit time. The magnetic flux is generally the number of lines which usually pass through the given unit area.

Simplest terms, a magnetic flux is comparable with electrical current as well as a magnetization in which current plays a major role is comparable with electrical voltage.

Although there are significant distinctions, a magnetic circuit is comparable to an electrical circuit. Magnetomotive force is equivalent to electromagnetic force inside of an electrical circuit.”

overview found here:

 

@mulveling 

The SUT I used include Cinemag 1254 transformers wired at 1:10 for my Lyra Delos.  

It sounded louder because of the extra resulting gain and really good but ultimately not as refined overall as my Sutherland fully active.  

Whether a cartridge is a 'voltage' or 'current' generator simply comes down to the load you present it with.  Make the load an open circuit (volt meter) and it will deliver max voltage and essentially 0 current.  Make the load a short circuit (ammeter) and it will deliver max current and 0 Voltage.   Without a clearly established loading criteria, the discussion becomes one of futility.

dave

Dear @drbond  : I think that if some one as me and maybe you re-read the Palmer  explanation where @holmz  added several technical characteristics maybe you can be less " worried " about.

 

The amps explanation linkes is wider and as I said holmz expanded on it. Now, do you think that Palmer does not knowed all the theory behind about? , I'm totally sure that he knows but not only that he laborated with for over 20 years.

 

Now, maybe you have a " hide card " or you have a specific target behind your links. Good, but if you have dudes just contact that gentleman or even better and invite him to share other kind of technical explanations on the issue. Don't you think could be better?

 

R.