Hmmm, what do you think it should run? Intuitively it doesn't seem out of line to me. I’d guess at $3k it’s probably about 2x cost of parts (includes attached interconnect to eliminate one set of RCA connectors). Compare that to EMIA, which is $3400, or Audio Note which is $4k. I don’t know what transformers they use so hard to compare directly. Definitely more than most that use Cinemag or Lundahl, but that’s not really surprising is it?
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!
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absolutely no offense taken my friend. Hashimoto has a pretty legendary reputation (like Koetsu), and I’ve read over the years lots of comments from Koetsu owners re the magic of the combo (like @mulveling for example). I also have corresponded with Constantin at Atelier 13, from whom I purchased. He’s a big fan - check out his website, he carries very cool stuff. Oh, and the HM-7 is their top of the line, above the 3 and X. |
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