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Step up transformer or upgrade phono preamp?

So I’m looking to further develop my analog system. I currently have a vpi Aries scout with a jmw9 tonearm and a Soundsmith zephyr MIMC star going into a Vincent pho 701. I enjoy the sound I’m getting but I am constantly looking for “better”. More dynamics, higher resolution etc. I know my phono pre is the weak link in that lineup and I’m wanting to upgrade. So what are your thoughts? Upgrade the phonostage or invest into a separate SUT? 
james1911
nandric's avatar
nandric
4,086 posts
 
It depends from the output of your cart(s). 60 dB amplification is
certainly not sufficient for low output carts (bellow 0,3 mV). 
I would recomend Denon AU-S1. Excelent SUT for about $1000
second hand (new $3000). It is 40 Ohms but can be used by each
low outpur cart indempendant from its impedance. 


jasonbourne52's avatar
jasonbourne52
2,863 posts
 
Hana SL mc cartridge ($750) + a Bellari SUT (~$500) into the MM input of the Vincent will be significantly better than the Soundsmith. No need to immediately replace the Vincent! 
lewm
13,278 posts
 
You guys are profligate spenders of other people’s money.  Assume the OP likes his cartridge. He also says his problem is not lack of gain. He’s looking for a a phono stage upgrade. Trot out the usual suspects that have sufficient gain for his cartridge: Allnic 1201 or 1202, Herron, Chinook, many solid state units, and yadayada.
artemus_5's avatar
artemus_5
1,992 posts
 
I am not against SUT's when implemented by designer as part of the system. But that is a far cry from the typical consumer who buys a 3rd party SUT and installs it with their phono preamp because it doesn't have enough gain.  I believe that boosting the gain is the only reason to have the SUT. I've done it before many yrs back but it was a patch for a problem of lack of gain with a MM phono preamp. So what am I missing?

I can't imagine adding a $1k Denon SUT to a $600 phono preamp. That just seems wrong headed. With the extra cable you will have even more expense. That $1100-1200 can go a long way towards a better phono preamp. Why boost an inferior signal when for the same $$$ you can get a better quality signal with proper boost? Am I missing something?
nandric's avatar
nandric
4,086 posts
 
The assertion is that MM phono-pre is more easy to make than
(complex) MC -pre. The other is ''the higher the amplification the
higher distortions''. $ 600 preamp does not imply ''bad preamp''. 
There are ''only MM'' kinds. SUT like Denon S1 can improve
the sound of an ''poor man'' system. In addition Denon produced
a speical cartridge for this SUT because of SUT's succes. The
cart is DL-S1 and can be get for less than $1000. 

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