Step Up Transformers….Are they Worth the Trouble?

@lalitk Glad you were able to resolve the feedback! Nothing else really matters until this is settled. Running subs with vinyl is definitely doing life in "hard" mode ;)

I’m guessing your feedback was well into audible spectrum. When I was fighting subsonic frequencies in the small room rig (thanks to Clearaudio’s CMB bearing being super-reactive in this range), all manner of footers (including ISOAcoustics) and constrained-layer damping shelves proved to be completely ineffective - quite obvious, in retrospect. By contrast, the VPI setup was particularly reactive ~ 100Hz, and footers helped. The SOTA just needs a very rigid stand so its suspension doesn't get excited by heavy footsteps, and then NOTHING gets through. 

@mulveling 1++ There is no substitute for a properly hung turntable. Everything else becomes inconsequential.  David Fletcher was the first to figure this out followed by his good friend AJ Conti, SME and Avid. Even a properly suspended turntable can feed back. One cause is a tonearm resonance frequency that is too high. In my own case I had inadvertently created a Helmholtz resonator. The solution was to close off the space under the turntable with a skirt of sorts. It has to be a local problem. Everything outside the suspension above 2-3 Hz is filtered out.  

@mijostyn Yep - I just picked up a refreshed older Cosmos IV that is now a hybrid of sorts (Condor motor & PSU), and it’s sublime. I’m truly impressed and in awe of it :) The only downside is it limits arm choices - I can get my FR64fx on there, but not 64S.

Back to the @lalitk ’s topic of SUTs - yes in theory a phono stage’s built-in SUT has an advantage with no extra cables / connections, but in practice I have yet to land on an internal SUT as my favorite choice versus one of my SUT boxes. Make sure you look inside the phono stage too - sometimes the internal SUT’s wiring isn’t as short as you think, especially if it’s trying to provide custom loading control (e.g. VAC Renaissance).

Even back when I had a Rogue Ares Magnum sporting internal CineMag 1254 - which should be VERY close to a Bob’s Devices CineMag Sky - the Sky and its external box still edged out the 1254. Thus, I rate the extra cable connection & box "not much to worry about". Just keep the cable run short and relatively low capacitance - you’ll be fine.

If you start rolling SUT boxes you’ll find these transformers affect the sound almost as much as cartridge itself (more if you choose a poor electrical match - don’t do that), and at least as much as MM stage.

@mulveling Glad you like it. Yes it does limit arm choices. Fortunately, the Schroeder CB fits perfectly and it is a great arm that can be adapted to any cartridge. I have run everything from the very stiff MC Diamond to the Shure V15 getting all to my favorite 5 to 8Hz resonance point. You can get away with lower resonance points on the Cosmos resulting in better, tighter bass. My Name is Mudd thunders.  Other arms include all of the Origin Live arms (the CB is better than any of them IMHO), the Kuzma 4 point 9, a great arm and the 9" SMEs. I am not as familiar with FR arms. I never look at arms with removable head shells. I prefer no contacts between cartridge clips and phono stage XLRs ala CB and 4 Point 9. The CB has litz wire in a kevlar casing. You can hang yourself with it. I have changed cartridges 100 times if not more and the wires and clips are none the worse for wear. All my cartridges get a mounting plate of the right mass for that particular cartridge. The plates are lined up initially using the SmarTractor and then they are marked with an awl. The position then becomes quickly repeatable without the need for the SmarTractor again. I just have to set VTF and anti skate. The CB's central post has a scale on it so returning to the same VTA for a given cartridge is no fuss easy. 

I do not know if you have noticed yet, but vacuum clamping can produce quite a static charge. This will be worse in the Winter months. If you notice this, I have a record cleaning formula that will prevent it. You have to have a vacuum drying machine to use it. 

I have a buddy who tells me I need a STU. I don't know what to get. 

My gear is a Triangle Art Zeus cartridge, Herron VTPH-2 phono preamp, NAT Audio Symmetrical preamplifier. NAT Audio Magma M mono blocks and Magico A3 speakers.

Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated!