Step Up Transformers….Are they Worth the Trouble?

@theflattire

Thank you so much for your recommendation. Ned Clayton SUT’s looks very appealing and gives lot of flexibility.

@boomerbillone 

Agreed, I think that’s where I am headed. Buy a good MM phono and experiment with bunch of SUT’s. 

The point not to overlook is that a Phon' with a Built In MC / MM Channel can be a Phon' that has an MC Input that when experienced proves a real challenge for a MM Input being coupled to a SUT or Head Amp'.

I could easily live with my multi adjustable MC Input on a owned / used Phon'. The options available by having both MC / MM Inputs and the additional devices that cans be added, has enabled myself to discover a end sound that satisfies myself, but not at the expense of leaving the MC Input unwanted. I demonstrate the MC Input to others, to help with their own learning about end sounds that can be produced.

My preferred end sound is certainly not ubiquitous, and the MC Input has been very well liked by some of the individuals who have been introduced to it. 

@lalitk How about starting off with a top MM like a Nagaoka MP500 to get the turntable and phono amplification ball running? (I only use Decca cartridges on my 401 tables) You might be surprised, and it will, at least give you a reference point of what the 301/Reed sounds like without all the MC-based extras for relatively little money

I recently purchased the new SKY 20-S with XLR connectors from Bob’s Devices and very happy. I’m using this with my Modwright PH 9.0XT and ZYX Ultimate Airy X cartridge. The ModWright on its own was extremely good and I was very happy. I wanted to try a SUT and will say that it adds detail and clarity. I also felt the soundstage opens up a bit more. I recently took it out of my system and then realized how much it brought to my system. The SKY 20-S will stay permanently. 

I own two SUTs now, a Quadratic MC-1 and an Ortofon ST-80 SE.

Previously I owned a Musical Surroundings Nova III phono stage with linear PS I used with Ortofon 2M black, Benz Micro Glider SL, Ortofon Cadenza black.

With six months of warranty left, it developed a “hiss.” This was audible from 6 feet away - over my tinnitus and presbyacusis. No combination of changing wiring, interconnects, ground wires, preamp/amp/speakers made it go away. DEFINITELY in the box. Tried changing settings, cartridge, turntable… you see where this is going.

First, I was ignored - sending an email for record keeping - then I called, then an “engineer” emailed asking for a recording of the hiss. Which I did. No answer.  Weeks went by, still no answer.  The heck with it. I sold it on eBay for 60% of what I’d paid for it after buying the Quadratic SUT. Buyer had no complaints.

Can’t beat solid state - REAL “solid” state wiring and jacks - for component noise limitations.

I used the Quadratic for most of a year, it was a great match to the Benz AND the Cadenza, then i found a “fell off the truck” deal on an Ortofon Verismo and a few months later a similar deal on the Ortofon St-80 SE SUT.

Simply sublime.

And NO “hiss.”

Wouldn’t go back to a box of electronics for a phono stage if you gave me one… well, I’d keep the SUTs handy just in case.