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

@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 :-)

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.

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.

@rauliruegas 

Turns out it’s 11 lbs, but yes, am surprised.  It’s replacing a very small unit that weighs just over 1 lb.