Step Up Transformer Question

I had Ned Clayton Cinemag 1254s for a while and it was pretty close to my Hashimoto HM-7s.  The 1254s are a couple of steps down from Bob's SKY.

Now I'm running some James Audio SUTs that I got for half the price of the Hashimotos and I'd be hard pressed to find a significant difference.

I think over the $500 range for SUTs and the diminishing returns start. I go for gain and how it fits with my phono stage; you don't want to overload it.  You can also try to match the cart load, but I don't really pay attention to all that.

Hum is a matter of placement and sometimes cables for me.

There's a good thread on SHF on SUTs under a $1000.

Hard to believe that Rodgers doesn't use some better SUTs or maybe proprietary ones, then again my Modwright uses inexpensive Lundahls mainly for the low gain and to hold costs down.

@theflattire this is super useful information. As I said, I'm using some crappy found interconnects to go from the SUT to the phono. I have some better shielded low capacitance cables coming soon. Maybe those will solve the hum problem. Seems like Ned Clayton is on vacation based on his eBay profile so I'll check back after the holidays. Wondering about those James audio SUTs though. I found some straight transformers online but not mounted in a box. They don't appear to be octal but likely a couple different set of turns so more connections. Did someone make a box for you or did you find one already put together? 

They came mounted in a chassis; the listing said it was a custom job for an audio shop.  

Didn't like the long wires so decided to re-do the chassis.

I decided to wire up all three taps, 3, 24, and 40ohm so I put them in a box I made with stuff I had around.

Here it is before the other RCAs came in.

James Audio was supposed to have workers from the former Tango or Tamura companies and DIY folks liked their trannies.

I saw the ones in Italy with four taps; that might make a good project.

@rmdmoore A VAS Cartridge as you are investing in, is a bespoke built Cartridge. It is being produced by an individual who's reputation is recognised for both Cart' Overhauls and Scratch Built Cart's across the Globe.

Taking time for selecting the SUT or Head Amp to support it in use will be a worthwhile experience.

Adding to your considerations for a preparation, the general consensus is to keep connecting cables between the SUT / Head Amp and Phon', as short as possible.

As you have made known, the PA 2 has a inbuilt SUT used in combination with Tubes.

My experiences had with both owned and loaned SUT's and Head Amps is that the SUT can create a range of effects to impact on the perception of the Tone being produced. The SUT depending on model in use, can be perceived as creating an increase in Richness, ranging from a subtle influence, through to a very noticeable Bloated bottom end of the frequency range.

I have less experiences with Head Amp Models, and from what I have experienced, I am able to describe the effect of the Head Amp as being much more transparent as a influence in a comparison to a SUT. A Head Amp's influence in relation to certain SUT's could be described as the Anti Thesis of such models of SUT. 

All the above is based on my experiencing a variety of Models/Designs in the home system.

The Company Sculpture A has a range of SUT's, that are offered with a broad range of winding ratio's. I have been demo'd a few Sculpture A SUT's in a system I am very familiar with and one that shares similarities to my own. 

On the day of the Demo's a Sculpture A Copper and Silver Winding SUT was loaned for the experience. The Copper Winding was a perfect match for a 0.2mv Cart', which is the resident Cart's output.

The impact this SUT had on the system in comparison to the resident SUT was quite something, the transformation of the sonic has been notable and well worth making known to others.

The Silver Winding SUT was more aligned as a match to a 0.5mv Cart', but was still able to off something quite special and as well notable for what it could present.

I am left with two questions, as new to me electronic encounters had been had. 

1, How much does the Cart' matching offer to create such an impressive demo'.    In general this will be the suggestion that will be off the most importance

2, How much does the use of a Nano Crystalline Core Metal add to the impressive sonic produced.                                                                                                        As it is not a commonly experienced material in use, it is difficult to tie this one down. 

The overall outcome is that, Sculpture A SUT's are devices on my short list to be a home trial.  

Ortofon makes great SUTs at very reasonable prices. Most SUTs are severely overpriced. If you are good with a soldering iron. Sowter Transformers of England makes first class naked transformers which can be mounted in their own chassis or better yet inside a phono stage or preamp ( no interconnects!)