The phono board option in Accuphase Integrated is pretty decent. But given my investment in Carts (north of $10K), I thought it would be worth exploring improvements over the phono board. I will be comparing the external phono’s with AD50 before committing to a purchase.
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!
- ...
- 352 posts total
@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? |
I did not read the whole thread but it points out that the options are pretty much endless. Make your life simple... Contact Dave Slagle at Emia.Tell him what you have and what you want to do and he can wind you an SUT that is perfect for your situation, copper or silver but in my limited experience you want silver. I believe he will let you audition a pair before you buy. Disclaimer:: not affiliated other than a happy customer Buy the phono stage too if you can afford it... phenomenal. End game stuff |
@br3098 the point of a good SUT that pairs up well with your MC id it brings out the best of your cartridge. |
- 352 posts total