Step Up Transformers….Are they Worth the Trouble?

@atmasphere

Thank again for your insight on SUT’s. I am aware of limitations with SUT’s as far as compatibility with another cartridge. I am willing to put up with extra cost of securing another SUT’s once I change my cart. I am approaching my re-entry into analog with a singular purpose, the very best sound out of my investment.

Let’s see how far and deep I land within my means :-)

@lalitk If the very best sound is your goal then I'd would not limit my search to SUTs only! There are plenty of phono sections that can run LOMC cartridges straight in and IMO, some offer noticeably more clarity and bandwidth. 

@atmasphere 

Would you please care to elaborate on ‘phono sections’ options / brands. If this would entail switching out to a new preamp with stellar phono section then I am not ready to do that just yet. I made a mistake of selling my Shindo Monbrison preamp from Ken Shindo era that had a stellar MC phono section. I may get back to all Shindo system but that means changing out speakers…may be down the road.

I have an amazing synergy between Accuphase Integrated and Tannoy Canterbury’s, so the idea is to built upon what’s in place. 

I agree that the investigation can be broad, others have shared in such a broad investigation.

I don't agree the Math only is the defining information that should create a shortlist of options to investigate. The end sound and how it impresses is the one element that really matters. To discover end sound, foot work and listening is what is required. A built in MC Stage is out there to be discovered that does sound very impressive, a SUT or Head Amp' used in conjunction on the same Phon' can create a end sound that has that extra level of appeal. The added devices in the Signal Path will need to audibly assessed for what is removed or added.

My selections have added to the end sound, to my liking preference. Nothing of attraction is perceived to be diminished to the point it is a detriment to the end sound, through adding the additional Selected Cables and Selected Device.

I have experiences where the above has not occurred and devices being investigated have been rejected for the impression had on the end sound. 

The following Links will show another respected individuals experiences and assessments of their own SUT investigations. There will be more info to be assessed resulting from others who are contributing. An open mind and broad experience become a great aide on the SUT / Head Amp' subject.  

https://forum.audiogon.com/discussions/review-of-quadratic-mc-1-sut-with-comparisons-to-other-suts-2

https://forum.audiogon.com/discussions/hagerman-piccolo-zero-new-transimpedance-head-amp

 I don't agree the Math only is the defining information that should create a shortlist of options to investigate. The end sound and how it impresses is the one element that really matters.

@pindac FWIW, math is what was used to make any audio product.  There are no audio products of any merit that don't use engineering. The thing the engineer has to understand though is how the ear perceives sound rather than how the eye perceives specs on paper. I think this quote says it all:

"If it measures good and sounds bad, -- it is bad. If it sounds good and measures bad, -- you've measured the wrong thing." -Daniel von Recklinghausen

Audiophiles tend to ignore the wisdom of this statement because so often the only specs (and math) printed has/had little to do with what we actually hear. So they feel they've been lied to, so much that they have developed a cult of misunderstanding. These days we have the instrumentation and understanding (although clearly the latter aspect is not universal by any stretch) to be able to draw a direct line between what we can hear to what we can measure and vice versa.

Would you please care to elaborate on ‘phono sections’ options / brands.

@lalitk No. But I can tell you something important to look for- to ask the manufacturer about: "What loading are you using on your LOMC phono cartridge?" If they respond with anything other than '47K' its likely that it won't be plug and play with that phono section (you'll have to play with loading) and you may get more ticks and pops on that account that sound like they are on the LP surface.