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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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.

Thanks for weighing in @pindac and @lewm. What intrigued me about the video was the discussion about SUTs providing different flavors which could be interchanged either by swapping the transformers (in the one case) or changing the loading and impedance in the case of the Andros Allasso. I was intrigued by Guttenberg's suggestions for accommodating different carts and, in the case of the Allasso, making on-the-fly adjustments. What are your thoughts on these two different SUT applications?  

@vacountryboy Since he didn't go into detail at all regarding winding ratios, I wonder if the different 'flavors' he could be referring to may simply just be a difference in gain between the different models - though the perceived difference between the two Audio Note models is interesting as they have the same ratios I believe.

Ultimately what I've gathered from this thread is just that there's no definitive answer here and ends up coming down to individual preference based on how things sound in your home and system. I'm going to try to poke some friends of mine to see if they have any models I could demo in my system just to play around with different things before I make any buying decision.