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!
Happy to share whatever modicum of knowledge I have. Regarding adjectives, don’t you think life would be dull without them? “My wife is so beautiful.” “This scotch has just the right amount of peatiness and smoke.” “That sunset has a gorgeous combination of orange, purple and pink.” ”Life is good.” lol! Will definitely report back on the new Swissonor! |
@mdalton Only a guess, no experience. |
@lalitk : It's weird but no one ask so I would like to ask you: what do you don't like in your AD-50.What's wrong down there about its quality level reproduction performance?
Thank's.
R. |
@cey what headamp does such for hana ML? I can't say, I haven't owned a Hana cartridge since they were first introduced. I may have tried a Hana LV cartridge with a headamp but I don't specifically remember. But in general, SUTs add some "flavor" to the mix. I think @pindac nailed it when he described what SUTs add as "richness of tone." Not that this is unpleasant; quite the opposite. I love that quality when a good MC cartridge is perfectly mated to an SUT and the rest of the downstream components. Think one of the really special Ortofon SPUs paired with an ST-80SE, A123 or one of the great FR units. Vibrant, high butterfat cream. A really good headamp can't match that, IMO. But it can shine in terms of speed and truthful fidelity. Did I answer your question? |
