Step Up Transformers….Are they Worth the Trouble?


Some of you may aware of my Garrard 301 project, it’s now very close to completion. The plinth finally shipped from Hungry after 3 months of long wait.

Given my last experience with Hana Umami Red, I would like to take things to the next level. Which brings me to mating low output cart with a SUT. Every review I’ve read so far suggests when the SUT-MC match is right, the end result is heavenly. The bass is right, the midrange is clear, and most importantly, the highs are relaxed and extended—not rolled off.

I am not saying you can’t get great sound without a SUT but it appears with a properly matched SUT, sound can be quite magical.

Thought this would be the right time to get input from experienced users here since I am still contemplating my cartridge and outboard phonostage options.

My preference would be to go with a tube phono…I kinda miss tinkering with tubes :-)

My system, Garrard 301 (fully refurbished), Reed 3P tonearm, Accuphase E-650 with built-in AD50 analog board ➡️ Tannoy Canterbury’s.

Cart and phono under consideration through my dealer,

Fuuga - Output : 0.35 mVrms | Impedance : 2.5 Ω (1kHz)

Phonostage - Tron Convergence and Konus Audio Phono Series 1000

The cart - MC combination, I am lusting after is Etsuro Urushi Bordeaux MC with their Etsuro Transformer.
https://www.etsurojapan.com/product/bordeaux

The other transformer is EMIA, cooper or silver version.

Your input is appreciated!

128x128lalitk

What many do is to load the SUT incorrectly and then conclude that the SUT is lacking in some way.  Being a transformer maker is not for the faint of heart.

@atmasphere 

Good point, I am focusing on ‘custom’ SUT’s that are designed specifically to mate my choice of the cart’s. 
 

@lalitk has stated " Good point, I am focusing on ‘custom’ SUT’s that are designed specifically to mate my choice of the cart’s " . 

For this reason I have suggested the contact with Sculpture A  
 

@pindac has stated " the end result being that this Company has compelled me to place their Products experienced way up on my list of must experience a Home Trial ". 

@pindac 

Thank you for your recommendation.Sculpture A is already on my short list. Unfortunately, their products are not easily available in the US. I wanted to try the Le Phono MKII, so far no luck in securing a deal. 

I encourage a conversation with Sculpture A, as at the time I made it known I will be at a future date going to arrange a Home Demo', I was informed there was a New Range of Upper Range Models being designed.

I am yet to see these appear as a sale item.

https://sculpture-a.com/

https://www.atelier13-usa.com/sculpture-a-mini-nano-sut