Step Up Transformer

Raul, on paper your argument makes perfect sense. But in practice things might work out differently. In my system I have the possibility to choose between various SUT’s, voltage gain and current gain devices and some cartridges have a clear preference for the use of an SUT in the signal path. Others definitely do not, it all depends.

I realise this is pretty much a useless answer to the OP, were it not for the fact that in my experience Ortofon MC’s tend to have a liking for SUT’s. My SPU’s, A95, Anna and even the old MC7500 all sound at their best with a good SUT. So I wouldn’t be at all surprised if this also goes for the Cadenza Black, which shares many of the basics with these other models. Just give it a try......

I use Ortofon Cart's, I have friends who also use Ortofon Cart's and between us, there is also use SUT's, Head Amp's, as well as the option to use a MC stage biult into a Phon'.

I and others I spend time with do not set limits on how a Signal from a Cart's is being transferred.

I don't focus too much on the Math, I don't get too much stimulus from number crunching. It is the Sound that is being presented and the variants of the sound (different flavours) that can be created that are maintaining an attraction that I find the most stimulating.

On this forum, I believe I once referred to a experience I had, where a demo was taking place with a Ortofon Cart' that was attached to a SME 3009. This set up was was met with posts where the description of the set up was not too well received  and it was challenged as a concept.

'Nobody Died', "Get Over It". If a individual likes the idea of experiencing a SUT with a particular Model of Phonostage, then let that itch be scratched.

The 1254 @pindac  mentions is indeed very similar to the Sky 20. I’ve had both. The Sky might be a bit sweeter but both have that “boogie” factor and lush midrange that I think really benefits the Ortofon MC cartridges (which can otherwise be too dry for my tastes). Either one is a great choice for your cartridge IMO.

edgewear, Wouldn't it be more fair or accurate to say that you are the one who prefers one or the other mode of phono amplification with this or that cartridge?  (Rather than to say that the cartridge prefers a particular sort of voltage gain.) Nothing wrong with that, but we are talking about personal preference, which is always unchallengeable.  Similarly, the OP may prefer a particular SUT vs using his high gain phono stage, and that's OK too, but apart from helping him to choose a "good" one, no one of us can say what particular SUT flavor he will like.

This is just great to hear from all of you. I’m pretty certain that I’ll go with a Bob’s Devices Sky 20, which has a selector switch for 2 gain settings.

For cabling, what would be your recommendations. I’ll keep my existing cables from the table and connect them to the SUT, but what about from the SUT to the phono pre? These will only have to be 18” or less.

All connections are RCA.