SUT help

@atmasphere I was referring to your comment about using the least gain from the SUT the better.  That has not been my experience.  By the way, I am still using your line stage and love it.

@bobsdevices Thanks!

We occasionally run into customers who can't abide any phono noise despite the phono section being quieter (so inaudible) then the LP surfaces themselves. That kind of individual seems to value the noise floor over other characteristics. For them, SUTs are useful even though the phono section works quite well down to 0.2mV. So I think this is a different application than what you are describing- we found that the least amount of step up resulted in a more spacious soundstage, stuff like that. If the phono section has less gain this result might be quite different!

I have been following this thread with much interest as I too wonder if adding a SUT or other pre-phono stage device might improve the "realness" of the sound coming from my Whest 40RDT fed by a Benz Gullwing on a Basis 2000 table with a Rega RB900 arm or coming from an Electrocampaniet ECP 1 with a Hana ML or AT33Mono on a Technics 1200G (and other carts not yet tried). The discussion here has not yet resolved (for me) into a decision either way. Of course, I realize that trial-and-error governed by one’s own ears in one’s own room is usually the most recommended approach on these inspiring and insightful forums.

Nevertheless, not meaning to rattle a hornet’s nest, I was wondering what the much more expert audiophiles here might think of the Audiophiliac’s recent evaluation of three SUT solutions:

I have not watched the Youytube Clip, the Title itself 'Best Sound' is a detractor immediately. I have run out of Steam, when it comes to being exposed to such individualist assessments. 

A Phon' used as a MC Input only or MM Input connected to a SUT or Head Amp, is a matter of choice to experience and a matter of choice if it is to be maintained.

The choices made are not ubiquitous and the Math for the choices that can be made will take one to one option type if the quietest of output is the desired goal.

I have as of yet, in relation to listening experiences, not been convinced that a MC Input on an Phon' is the option to be maintained by myself, over other options. 

I watched the video. The SPU 1 cartridge puts out 0.18mV, by a very liberal criterion of 5mV/cm stylus velocity. The JC3+ affords 64db total gain on MC. Could be that the amplified output of the JC3+ is not quite enough to get the most out of the downstream sound system. (The signal voltage output would be about 0.27V, not by itself enough to get the most out of most amplifiers.) Could be the JC3+ has an inherent lean sound on MC settings. Could be his ears. Anyway, for sure a SUT is an option.