Step Up Transformers….Are they Worth the Trouble?

@lalitk 

Back from my two-day trip.  Before doing anything else I tried different ground scheme vs my prior SUT.  Added ground between phono stage and SUT (in addition to tonearm and SUT).  Hum pretty much gone!  (consistent with @mulveling prediction). Sound is remarkable - intuition that Rothwell wasn’t fully showcasing the Koetsu was correct (duh, I know).  Consistent with my first impression, way more dynamic, but still lush, which is cool combo.  

Still in conversation with dealer whether I should change setting to lower ratio - seems like manufacturer is not convinced that’s the right move.  Will see….

@lalitk I know Raul really well. His English is not so hot and at times he comes across as a bit odd. He is anything but narcissistic and his knowledge of cartridges is unsurpassed. 

I for one do not like equipment editorializing. I want to know exactly what is on the record and nothing else. On the very best systems colored equipment always shows itself as flawed. Sometimes these flaws can be corrected, most of the time not. Very few cartridges are perfect so we are stuck choosing our poison especially when we are spending less than $6000. 

I have had SUTs and both SS and tube phono stages. IMHO, and I am sure @rauliruegas will agree. The best SS phono stages are the most uncolored and quiet of the lot. Check out units from Sutherland, Channel D, CH Precision and Pass labs. 

People are entitled to listen to whatever they want, but in my experience when presented with an accurate system capable of realistic levels without distortion and bass to match, all are in awe. 

@mijostyn

I prefer not to expend my energy or time on Raul posts. I already said my peace!

Back to matter on hand, I wholeheartedly agree with your point and preference for accuracy and neutrality in audio equipments. And cartridges and phono stages are not any different, ideally your entire signal chain should be as neutral as possible.

My rule of thumb, if a specific audio component cannot convey music with its natural emotions, then it failed in its purpose and gotta go.

Your list of recommended brands—Sutherland, Channel D, CH Precision, and Pass Labs—reflects your fine taste and commitment to high-quality, precise audio reproduction. I am not averse to trying a SS phono and I may eventually end up there. A tube phono been on my mind so this exercise will put rest my curiosity and give me a better understanding on what I liked or didn’t like vs a SS phono.

For me, next few months is going to be all about finding that perfect balanced sound with least bit of coloration. Musicality is a constant in my choice of audio gear and so far I have been very pleased with the results.

@lalitk I am way in on musicality, but it should rest with the music. 

@mijostyn 

Exactly! Musicality should be inherent in the music itself, rather than introduced or altered by our choice of gear. We may choose a different path but the end goal is to end up with a system that faithfully reproduces the original recording, allowing the music to speak for itself without any additional influence from the components. 

@mdalton 

Glad to hear hum is gone, It sounds like you're quite pleased with the improvements. Does lowering the ratio means sending the HM-7 back to Swissoner?