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.
Dear @billstevenson : Please don't laugh and read again ( if you are refering to my post. ).
"" First any device where the signal must pass degrades the sound quality, "
"pass only trhough a matched pair of transistors in that first critical gain stage and degradation is at minimum way lower that in a SUT"
R. |
R, If you are sincere, I commend DSD to your attention. Otherwise, I think you are on a quest that is analogous to slaying windmills. I will stand by my advice to make yourself happy, play what pleases your ears and when it comes to analog, especially analog, recognize that it is perfectly OK to prefer tubes and SUTs. It is perfectly ok to prefer a matched pair of transistors too. The only thing that matters is the music. Bill |
I’m not sure that I completely understand the matter, but it seems that there are two options in cartridge signal amplification in or before the phono stage: either 1. an SUT before the phono stage, or 2. a transistor in the phono stage. If that’s the case, then the sound quality would depend on how linear the electric signal is transmitted by either the SUT or the transistor. Then, I suppose both approaches have certain weaknesses, but under near ideal circumstances, both would sound nearly identical. Are there any inherent weaknesses in a SUT versus a transistor, or vice versa? |
either ~40dB of active gain and ~20dB of SUT, or more active gain to get to around 60dB… which is 50-70dB.
That assumes that linear is good.
yeah in the limit they would.
One can do an opening roll of a 7 or 11 and win at the craps table. |
"Are there any inherent weaknesses in a SUT versus a transistor, or vice versa?" If I didn't know you were serious, I would suspect you of being a troll based on this sentence. The question has already been broached here in this thread. Elsewhere on the Audiogon Analog website and on every other audio-oriented website I have ever visited, the question is hotly debated with much expenditure of wind. In the end, you have to make up your own mind, usually by listening. |
