(Herron being almost a tad aggressive in upper mids by comparison).
@mulveling I found this to be true of the most recent Herron linestage, as well, which I bought and then returned. My main preamp is a VAC.
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!
- ...
- 352 posts total
@mulveling, thanks for your information. I just stumbled on your review of the Quadratic MC-1 SUT. As I've stated before I do love the way my rig sounds. However I have a lot of hum and at times notice some RF since adding a Triangle Art Maestro TT with the Horus 12" tone arm. I've been unimpressed with the service from its manufacturer. I'm wondering if adding the Quadratic MC-1 to the mix with my Herron VTPH-2A and using the MM taps would help? I use authentic Cardas Clear interconnects from the VTPH to the balanced line stage. The tonearm's cable is fixed and can't be changed. I'm running a NAT Audio Symmetrical Balanced line stage, NAT Audio Magma mono blocks and Magico A3 speakers. |
had a great 3 hour listening session with a good friend/neighbor who knows my system well from jazz/scotch nights over the last 10+ years. His first experience with my new SUT: after 10 seconds he turned to me and said “wow”. Our analysis: everything just seems more palpable, physical. Much bigger difference moving from old to new SUT than when I went from Hana EH (directly into phono pre) to Koetsu and old SUT. |
- 352 posts total