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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
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rauliruegas
13,002 posts
 

Dear @lalitk  : I'm sorry to insist and disturb you:

" On my last shootout with T+A and Dartzeel, I preferred the synergy between the Accuphase...."

 

As I said before good for you that your unit outperformed the very well regarded top Dartzeel elctronics but  ( as you said ) after dozens  of post you showed no single word about MUSIC and you will do some comparattion tests between all the units options you will have on hand.

The 650 outperformed the Dartzeel because?: better transient response? better tigth low bass? better mid-bass or low midrange? better dynamics and lower noise levels? better natural color of the MUSIC?, better resolution?, better harmonics or wider frequency ranges? better high frequency range?, using which LP tracks?

I ask again because outperforms the Dartzeel are " big words " and you follow staying " dead silence " about MUSIC ( not only you but all other gentlemans too. Only hardware. ) and its characteristics in a units comparisons.

 

R.

 

mdalton's avatar
mdalton
451 posts
 

@lalitk 

SUT arrived today.  Much bigger and heavier than expected - serious piece of kit.  Rothwell has been fine, but this thing seems serious - I think it weighs north of 7 lbs!  Hoping to get it in system tonight.

lalitk's avatar
lalitk OP
5,363 posts
 

@mdalton

That’s a great! It does look substantial in stock pics. I think, I’ve read somewhere 50 hours break-in time for HM7. Fun times ahead :-)

lewm
12,839 posts
 

Raul, I thought you were “against” the Neumann pole. Many are against it. In my 3160, I turned it off. This has not much to do with the subject of the thread. Sorry.

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rauliruegas
13,002 posts
 

Dear @mdalton  :  " this thing seems serious - I think it weighs north of 7 lbs!  "

 

Seriously?.You have to know that the Denon AU-1000 weigths 12kg. ( not lbs. ) and has a frequency response from 5hz to 200khz, this is the important and critical spec for any SUT and MUSIC. Do you know the FR of the one you are " surprised "by its  7lbs.?

 

R.

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