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Advice on SUT for Koetsu Rosewood - EAR MC-4, Slagle/EMIA, other

I recently tried a friend's Sound Traditions Hashimoto hm7 transformer-based sut and overall the sound was substantially more Dynamic and alive and generally better than my current Berning preamp MC section. The problem was the images were just so large and the presentation a little too forward for my tastes. I am thinking a different Sut such as the EAR MC- 4 or an Intact Audio (Slagle) Step Up Transformer, copper.

Has anyone used these Sut's and could advise about whether they might do what I'm looking for? I'm hoping to add more dynamics and life but I do prefer a slightly laid-back presentation to a forward one and I don't want giant instruments in the soundstage. I listen to mostly old Jazz and Blues with some rock and classical mixed in. I am not looking for the last word in in treble detail or "air" and my biggest sonic priorities are organic , rich mids, good sounstaging, and a realistic tonal balance that does not accentuate the top end as so many components seem to do (IMHO). So I guess I am looking for a sut with a reputation for musicality and richness, without javing a forward sound. But I would love somethng as amazing sounding as the Hashimoto HM-7 based SUT.

My system is a Koetsu Rosewood Signature (.4mv), Jelco 850M on a Sota Star Sapphire, Berning all-tube bespoke capacitance coupled preamp (46 dB gain on the MM stage, Jensen transformers on the moving coil stage), Quicksilver v4 monos, Verity Audio Pafisals.

Thanks for any thoughts.


montaldo
mulveling's avatar
mulveling
1,886 posts
 
I have a few Koetsu Platinums, and I know for sure I prefer them with higher ratios/gains to bring out the dynamics - 30x SUT or an active stage with 69dB or more seems to be ideal. I know this is higher than the usual recommendations. I wouldn't even bother trying an 8x SUT.

I’m actually currently using the HM-7 with my Blue Lace and love it, but I kind of get what you say about its "larger than life" presentation. I prefer it slightly to my EAR MC-3 (I use it on the 30x / 4 ohm tap), but I really like that SUT too. You might end up preferring the EAR, but it’s not much more laid back in the treble if you’re looking for that. The Koetsu SUT might be more your style as it’s more laid back overall, but they’re hard to find, and currently I do prefer the more dynamic presentation of the HM-7 and EAR.
racamuti's avatar
racamuti
362 posts
 
If you can find a used pair of Bent Audio SUT's try them out.They come 1:10 or 1:20 winding.  Good Luck, TISH
vusi_khumalo
72 posts
 
I dont remember that Jensen model having a 1:8 wiring option according to the manual. The ARC  Ref phono I think uses the same SUT and its wired 1:12 but you can change that to 1:4
Anyway my stab at advising you would be that you download the manual and rewire yours to 1:12
vusi_khumalo
72 posts
 
Please also make sure that all those tiny multicoloured wires from the SUT are soldered properly. I once had the orange one loose on the R channel and that diminished fidelity.
mijostyn's avatar
mijostyn
8,570 posts
 
Montaldo, it looks like you are facing a trial and error situation. Trying to audition all this stuff is virtually impossible. If it is a higher step up ratio you are looking for the Sowter 9990 unit is 1:20 for 1-15 ohms. They cost about $100 and you will need two of them. Not crazy money at all. The risk is that you might overload your phono stage. If so, you could just put a resistor in series with the secondary. But if you have used a 1:20 transformer and there were no problems you should be all set.  I prefer the transformer be internal. I think there is less noise and you don't have to mess with interconnects and two more connections in line.
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