Do I need a sut?

Thanks, Itsjustme!

To clarify regarding the Herron VTPH-2 specifically, the input stage it provides for LOMC cartridges utilizes a FET (Field Effect Transistor). Consequently, as I mentioned earlier, it has an input impedance that for practical purposes is essentially an infinite number of ohms, but it provides connectors on its rear panel for purposes of connecting loading plugs. 47K loading plugs are supplied as standard with each unit, and Keith Herron can supply plugs in any other values that may be desired. He recommends that with many and perhaps most cartridges the VTPH-2 will provide best results with no loading whatsoever, and I and some other members here have found that to be true with our particular cartridges. Even though, for example, my AT-ART9 has a load resistance recommendation from the manufacturer of "100 ohms minimum."

As you may have seen in the past, Ralph (Atmasphere) has stated in a number of threads here that the need for relatively low impedance loading, where necessary, is mainly due to sensitivity of the particular phono stage to RF frequencies, which can be introduced into it at significant amplitudes as a result of the resonance that is formed at RF frequencies by the interaction of the inductance of LOMC cartridges and the load capacitance that is applied to them. Apparently the VTPH-2 can handle RF frequencies in a more graceful manner than many other phono stages, meaning that such frequencies will have little if any effect on audible frequencies.

So as I had mentioned interposing a SUT between an LOMC cartridge and the LOMC input of the VTPH-2 can be handled in a reasonable manner from the standpoints of cartridge loading and transformer loading. But the concern that would arise in this particular case would be the possibility of a voltage overload in the phono stage and/or in whatever preamp circuitry may be "ahead" of the volume control.

Best regards,
-- Al

Sometimes I feel like an idiot as I can only understand some of what is said here.  :)

Thanks again
Jeff

http://www.ebay.es/itm/332504231804?rmvSB=true

Not sure of the overall quality of the specific transformer, but a reasonable price and should be an almost ideal match in terms of gain (28 dB) along with the 48 dB from the Herron MM input. 

Everyone needs to keep a gain cascade calculator handy 😉

28dB plus 48dB plus 14dB gives 1.58v out for .05mV in which is probably half what most power amps like to see (if we know your amps input sensitivity that would help)

another 6dB is ideal to get you up to 3V hence the T2000 or XG-5 at the 32dB up level

Anyway if the OP can give some insight into his power amp that would be helpful

Depends on the gain calculator you want to use. ;)

In multiple systems over the years, I've found the KAB calculator to be pretty much dead on and it suggests a phono gain of 76 dB for a .05 mV cartridge. 

FWIW, using line level gain in the calculation is foolhardy in most cases IMO (with the exception of pretty unusual systems-those with passive preamps would be one).

Users of fixed gain phono stages or a combination of a fixed gain stage combined with a fixed gain head amp or SUT will never realize how absolutely critical gain matching is because they do not have the ability to adjust gain "on the fly" or have infinitely variable gain available. With a high quality stage with infinitely variable gain, one can realize just how critical and narrow the optimum gain window really is and how 1-2 dB variances in gain can be substantial in terms of performance with low output MC's. And how it can actually even vary from record to record, depending on how they were cut, if one wants to take it to audiophile nervosa extremes

Line level gain only serves to amplify further what the cartridge/phono preamp has sonically "created"; if that is not "correct" one is just further amplifying problems and the mismatch, (unnecessary noise, possible overload issues etc.) It cannot magically correct for either too little or too much gain at the cartridge/phono pre interface.

Plus the Herron MM gain is relatively high at 48 dB and the T2000, while it was designed to be used with the MC 2000, was probably designed with a much more traditional MM stage in mind, probably one offering a more typical 38-40 dB of MM gain. 

Hence my recommendation of the Ortofon SUT above with lower gain. I'd be trying that at a reasonable price first before shelling out a couple of grand for the T2000 and very possibly having too much gain and a pricey piece of equipment to resell. Then again, I'm a cheapskate.