SUT experience

Adrian, In your last post you name 3 cartridges, none of which is identifiable as an Ortofon SPU, unless it’s “#1”. Then you don’t say whether my own assumptions of the current setup are correct. If you want commentary you need to be very specific.Not surprised that the earlier setup was grossly distorted. Also are you sure your phono offers 60 and even 65db gain in MM mode, where the cartridge or the SUT sees a 47K ohm impedance?

Hey Lewm ! Yes your assumptions were correct as you described my signal path. Let me add some information that may clarify some things. I do have an SPU Synergy, an SPU Century 100th anniversary model, then the #1 spherical and #1 elliptical.  I also own a sumiko blackbird MC cart as well as an Audio technica OC9XML.  I listed all of them because I have 3 turntables and one of them has 2 arms. I typically listen to the SPU synergy but it could possibly be any of the other carts. That’s why I tried the Entre SUT since it gave me choices.  Also that Pro-ject tube box has multiple gain settings from 40db, to 65db, in 5 db increments. Fortunately the synergy and both of the #1 carts weigh the same so they swap easily.  The century model is heavier and requires rebalancing of the arm.  I guess the oddball is the Synergy with its higher output at .5.  Maby that will clarify my earlier posts. When I find my favorite combo, I’ll likely leave it there and maby rotate carts every month or two.  Adrian

Sorry, I am not steeped in knowledge of the SPU series and so did not realize what you were talking about. With the Synergy (0.5 mV), you definitely do not need the 60db gain setting. Even 50db is slight overkill with a 1:10 SUT. For example, with the SUT the cartridge, and SUT are dumping 5 mV of output into the phono inputs. That is the typical output of a high output moving magnet cartridge. With such a cartridge, usually only 40 to 45 DB of phono gain, along with line stage gain, are more than adequate.

nevermind was Gilda Radnor's bit 

Dear @adrianleewelch  : " new to the SUT game and it was a game changer. "

Well, with the SUT you are adding " new " distortions that came from the additional IC input/output RCA connectors along the cable and solder joints plus the distortions developed by the SUT transformers.

Your McIntosh  unit has not high quality phono stages, it's " so so ".

Maybe could be a good alternative to own a new dedicated  phono stage as the PS Audio Stellar model that's not to expensive. You could try and maybe you can find out a true game high quality changer. Yes, you need those addituional IC to connect in the C47. This is that unit, please read it including its real time measurements:

Now, if you decide not to go with that alternative then you can improve the sound quality performance rewiring internally ( for better quality wire. ) the Entré SUT and changing all its input/output RCA connectors.

Regardas and enjoy the MUSIC NOT DISTORTIONS,

R.

r.