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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
pindac's avatar
pindac
2,864 posts
 

If the individual stays the journey and has many musical encounters whilst on route. There is inevitably going to be a point where a discovery is made that they have worked out how to produce a end sound that is totally satisfying and unique to their preferences.

When the individual discovers the end sound that is the one that they want to be entertained by forever, or at least until the next hone is added.

I am certainly not going to be the one to suggest their discoveries and choices made are only showing how stupid they are.

I am certainly going to wish them all the very best with the method they have  discovered and adopted, that is proving to be a great form of entertainment for them when listening to music, or any other form of healthy entertainment on such a matter.

  

mdalton's avatar
mdalton
483 posts
 

@lalitk 

Very exciting.  Are all pieces, including Fuuga, loaners, or have you made (some) decisions?

lalitk's avatar
lalitk OP
5,570 posts
 

@mdalton 

All the pieces in place except the cart. Still contemplating my options on carts. Here is my Analog chain looking at this point, 

Garrard 301 ➡️ Reed 3P ➡️ Fuuga (loaner) ➡️ Allnic H-6500 / Konus Audio / AD-50 phono board ➡️ Accuphase E-650 ➡️ Tannoy Canterbury’s 

There is a EMIA SUT (copper) version in the mix as well. 

There are just too many great carts out there to choose from…lol! 

 

mdalton's avatar
mdalton
483 posts
 

Whoa!! So your permanent system will have 4+ different MC choices?  Kid in candy shop scenario!

lalitk's avatar
lalitk OP
5,570 posts
 

@mdalton 

Atleast 2 if not 3…next few months is going to be about experimenting with carts and phono’s. The only constants would be Garrard / Tonearm and Accuphase. I will likely invest in a SUT once I know my everyday cart. 

Did you receive the Swissoner SUT yet? 

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