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

Simaudio

Sutherland (also make outboard head amps operating in current or voltage mode)

Pass XP series

Atma-sphere MP1

J&R 3180 Phonolinepreamp

Manley Steelhead or Chinook

Goldnote

DarTzeel

Many, many more.... (Mind has gone blank.)

 

 

oops again!  I swear I’m not day-drinking, I forgot to say brand: Fezz Audio.  To add to @lewm list, Graham Slee and Rothwell also make pretty inexpensive head amp, btw.

@mdalton 

LOL!  I figured it out by googling the SUT. It’s a very interesting brand. I love the uncluttered design throughout their product lineup. No idea how they sound but interesting nevertheless. Their 300B mono’s is definitely worth the audition if I had the higher efficiency speakers. 

@lewm ..thanks for the suggestions. 

@lalitk 

haven’t heard the brand yet myself, but they’re on my list if/when I ever replace the synthesis ensemble in my big rig.  recently spent time with a dealer in NC - Ember Audio - who believes their stuff competes with any other tube gear up to $10k, so potentially a great value.  And yes, their aesthetic is perfect for my sunroom!