Another Link from a broad range of experienced forum members making the case for Off Board SUT > MM Input a option in discussions on Phon's that will cost the price of a nearly new used vehicle.
SUT help
Hello all,
I've combed the forums and pretty much every SUT thread either devolves into arguments of the merits for/against, or gets hyper specific. I'm assuming to properly match a SUT, it needs to be selected based on the cartridge AND phono pre-amp. Since I haven't found a thread about my specific combo...here I am.
I don't know a TON about SUTs, but I'd like to experiment to see if adding one will enhance my experience.
Currently, my cartridge is a Hana ML and my phono pre-amp is the Modwright PH 9.0XT. I may possibly move up to the Hana Umami Red in the nearish future, but the specs are fairly similar between that and the ML.
Hana ML specs: 0.4mv; 7 ohm/1khz
Hana Umami Red specs: 0.4mv; 6 ohm/1khz
Modwright PH 9.0xt - MM input is 52db gain, with option to lower -6 and -12 to 46db and 40db.
I currently use the MC input which offers 64db of gain (-6, -12). I've typically kept it at 64db and alternate between 100ohm and 250ohm for load impedance settings. The 470 is too much.
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Not sure if its possible to have a SUT that would work well with both the ML and umami red, but if so, I'm all ears. If not and they each need specific ones, I'd be considering the ML first and foremost.
Any help is appreciated. I don't really have any clue how to determine what ratio is best and whether copper or silver pair better with these cartridges. I had EM/IA recommended to me in the past, but their pricing is well beyond what I'd like to spend on one (~$1500 or less, ideally?)
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- 71 posts total
SUTs are like seasoning on food. They definitely change the sound, it is silly to think they don't. Silver wire sounds different than copper, the core material matters, how they are wound etc. also matters. They are not everyone's cuppa. No matter. Everyone should make up their own mind based on their own experience. They work better with some phono stages than others, some cartridges than others. They are just another tool in the box. No more, no less. Best to keep an open mind. |
@billstevenson is 200% correct, but use bad A fantastic low capacitance cables and keep connectors very clean… which is also why the OP should contact the MOD at Modwr@lewm good idea. As to a cartridge as a consumable…. yep, no kidding as are all your tubes…. just part of the journey…… I really hope my surviving kin don’t engrave “ here lies a frugal phono cartridge spendthrift “…. on my tombstone….. |
I almost know NOTHING about SUTs, but all I know that either higher output cartridge or higher gain phonostage will outperform combination with SUT. All you have to remember is the rule of number of components in the signal path. With SUT it's more components than without. Simple math there no science needed. |
@czarivey Thank You for your input, it does seem the Math is your Governor and the effect of the Sound produced on the individual is to be disregarded. Such a stance sounds very very 80's when the upcoming of todays Super Brands were taking the Old Guard On, when the mantra was the Customers did not know how to listen, these are the very best products and customers are failing to appreciate them, as they don't know how to listen. All was marketing spiel, one likes what they like. My response to those who believe in the Math only is one of my favourites. You are welcome to disregard it, you seem pretty adept at that one, "There is a principle which is a bar against all information, which is proof against all arguments and which can not fail to keep a man in everlasting ignorance-that principle is contempt prior to investigation." Some of the very best EE Designer / Builders do the math religiously and get the Oscilloscope to present a beautiful wave. Then the same EE will spend a very long period Voicing the Design, as the Math does only so much. For the user of a SUT, it is a means to use a LOMC Cartridge and for those in the know, is also a means to Voicing a Cart'>Phon. |
- 71 posts total