Step Up transformer

FWIW, all phono stages ever made, whether solid state or tube, operate in class A. When manufacturers brag about that, it’s hype.

I read the S’phile review of the ML 526. That is a very high end very expensive preamp that tested very well according to John Atkinson. It offers phono gain choices from 53db (MM) to 83db (high gain MC) in 10db increments. There’s no way you need a SUT with that unit for any real world cartridge ever made. 

Thank you lewm. It is an outstanding preamp, sounds incredible. I’ll never need to upgrade. 

IMO, the reasons for using a SUT are as above, you need more gain because of a LOMC, you have a MM only phono stage, or if your phono stage uses inferior transformers/active gain stage for MC, and also if you want to match cart loading.

I use my Hashimotos mainly because the Modwright PH9.0 uses inexpensive Lundahls in the MC side.  I feel I get better sound staging.  

Is it 'better?'  Not by a large margin, but I already had the HM-7s when I upgraded and just kept them in line.

I don't see any transformers in the nude pics of the 526; my guess would be the MC side has active gain.  An active stage is not a bad thing, but me personally prefer the simplicity of the SUT instead of sending the signal through another amplification circuit.  Just my preference.  OTOH, a SUT is creating another connection, something others might try to avoid.

If it was me, I would try one, used, so I could get my money back.

I mean you never know until you try!

GL, and as always, YMMV

I use a Cinemag 1254 based SUT and I think the results are wonderful. Running it at 20:1 with an old Koetsu Black, lots of drive and loads of detail. I was having a hiss problem with my phono pre, lots of noise at 60dB max gain on my MS Phonomena. That's eliminated now in addition to fidelity gains, the Phonomena doing much better at 40dB min gain. My SUT has adjustable gain and can do 40:1, so maybe my next cartridge can be the AT-ART7 with just 0.12mV output. 

" I’ll never need to upgrade. "

If it's a different presentation you're curious about, then a vacuum  tube unit is what must hear in your setup.

The "better" models seem to sound more "organic" than an equivalent SS unit-IMO.