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Why is it that?

Posted this on The Asylum as well.

I have a VPI Scout turntable with the JMW9 arm and a ZU DL103 low output moving coil cartridge. My preamp is an Audible Illusions Modulus 3B (their latest and greatest)the tubes which were bought from Audible Illusions are well broken in and the preamp has an excellent phono stage. I use a Denon AU320 SUT between the turntable and the preamp. VPI phono cable is used for the connections from the turntable to the SUT and from the SUT to the turntable.
The cartridge is rated to be used at 40 ohms and my SUT has settings for both 40 and 3 ohms. Besides the significantly lower volume when using the 40 ohm setting, the sound seems a bit more romantic and rich which is good for certain kinds of music. However, when I play my rock from the late 60's up to present, I much prefer the 3 ohm setting as it seems to give me a more lively sound with a little more snap.

What are the differences between the 40 ohms and 3 ohms settings? Is one setting more right or wrong than the other, and why? Eventually, I plan on getting a Bob's Devices SUT, or have the John Curl designed moving coil preamp removed off my Modulus 3A preamp, and put on my Modulus 3B preamp. I am leaning towards the Bobs Devices as it will still allow me to use a moving magnet on the turntable by removing the SUT. Once the mc phono board are installed on the Audible Illusions preamp, you are stuck with using low output moving coils only.

Enlighten me please?
128x128stereo5
zd542
5,339 posts
 
I'm not saying that the AI is not good. It just looks like it doesn't have the options you may need and a separate phono stage, to me, is just a better/cleaner way to go about it. You can also get better synergy and save some money.

Here's an example of what I mean. I have a Scout as well. I use a Dynavector P-75 phono stage and a DV 20 low output cart. Both pieces are not that expensive but I'm still getting very good sound because of the synergistic match between the 2. I think if you focus too much on getting a head amp, you greatly limit your choices, not only for upgrades not, but in the future, as well.

Anyway, its just something to consider. Phono stages have come a long way over the 23 years since you bought you AI.
bpoletti
1,553 posts
 
If you get a used Herron VTSP-1mc, it would end your concerns and you will get significantly better performance.
stereo5's avatar
stereo5 OP
6,428 posts
 
". Phono stages have come a long way over the 23 years since you bought you AI."

The Modulus 3B is a current model and has only been in production for 4 years.
zd542
5,339 posts
 
Stereo5,

Sorry about that. From your post, it looked to me that your preamp was over 20 years old. I don't really follow the model numbers close enough to pick that up. Now I see your issue. It may very well make sense to go with a SUT. I still wouldn't lock myself into one, though. You may want to give The Cable Company a call. They should have some phono preamps and SUT's t lend you so that you can try them in your system first. I use them all the time for this type of thing.
lewm
13,171 posts
 
Dear Zd,
The debate over "separates" vs full-function preamplifiers is a never-ending one, but suffice to say that there are many advantages to an all in one unit vs separate phono and linestages and vice-versa. But why would you expect "better synergy" and saving money to be advantages associated with separates over an all in one preamplifier? Most assuredly, those would be points in favor of the latter choice. Two more advantages are avoiding purchase and use of a costly, signal degrading interconnect, and the fact that a separate phono stage usually needs a buffer stage to drive said interconnect. The very short internal signal wires used in a full-function preamp to connect its phono section to its linestage can often be implemented in such a way as to avoid a buffer stage.
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