Step Up Transformers….Are they Worth the Trouble?

Raul, You are always right, but I do own and listen to the MC2000, and it does have a press-fitted stylus on its aluminum cantilever.

Lalitk, Do I understand you to say that you are going to use an EMIA SUT or a "transimpedance" phono stage (hate the term because it implies that the internal impedance of the cartridge and the finite input Z of the phono stage make no difference, but both parameters most assuredly do) or a tube phono with MM and MC capabilities?  Presumably you will mate the EMIA SUT with the MM inputs of the last named tube phono stage, yes? So you will cover all the possible ways for amplifying the output of an LOMC, except the use of a head amplifier (outboard gain stage to takes the place of a SUT).

@lewm 

That would be correct. My dealer is affording me the opportunity to choose the best option for Etsuro Bordeaux and Fuuga Carts. I will make a decision on Carts / Phono and SUT only after listening, 

Test 1 - Bordeaux/ Fuuga  ➡️  Allnic H-6500 MC Input 

Test 2 - Fuuga / Bordeaux  ➡️ EMIA ➡️ H-6500 MM Input 

Test 3 - Fuuga / Bordeaux ➡️ Konus Phono 

Test 4 - Fuuga / Bordeaux ➡️ Accuphase Phono Board, will A/B both MM and MC 

Cheers! 

Personally, I wouldn’t get hung up on Copper vs Silver windings

@lalitk @kennyc Totally agree - I became a SUT lover on "just" copper windings. In fact, tried the silver (Ag) version of Lundahl LL1931 (in a K&K box) versus the copper LL1931 in my VAC phono, and preferred copper (qualifying that a bit - the Lundahls aren’t my preference in general). Kevin Hayes of VAC has also told me he prefers the copper version, regardless of price. Not saying that can be extrapolated to other SUT makes - but copper ain’t bad! Sometimes I think that if copper cost over $1000 / oz, it would be the most desired audiophile wire metal BY FAR. We take for granted that it's so good, and affordable. 

There is no substitute for trying things in your system and make an informed decision based on your own findings.

Also totally agree

“if copper cost over $1000 / oz, it would be the most desired audiophile wire metal BY FAR….We take for granted that it’s so good, and affordable.”

@mulveling

Agreed. I believe lot of our choices are driven by our personal preferences, budget and system constraints. When it comes to audio, there are so many ways to skin the cat.

Speaking of SUT’s, there is a brand from France called Sculpture. They are appear to be well built and reasonably priced. Don’t get much press in US but they are quite popular across the pond. I plan to try one once the dust settles on my choice of cart and phono.

@lalitk 

dealer I worked with on Swissonor - Constantin at Atelier 13 - carries Sculpture as well.