Recommendations for MM Phono ~ Tube or Solid State

@lalitk   " in one off bespoke products."

Some way or the other at some time all audio products are " bespoke ", some through audio distributors  some as direct sale.That's why exist the customer testimonials of all audio products.

" suggesting a product that pretty much unobtainable. "

Not really because is obtainable and through it the Etsuro signal could goes " directly " to the Accuphase amplifier with no single " curtains " in between but only the MUSIC cartridge signal.

Just for curiosity you can achieve information here:

 rauliruegas@hotmail.com.

R.

Hi @lalitk  :  I could think that you have very good reasons ( foundation. ) in favor of the MUSIC reproduction quality sound levels to look for a MM phono stage + SUT main/prefered alternative.

Which advantages comes with that alternative ?  what , some of us, are not seen down there or what are we missing about quality level reproduction?

Thank's in advance,

R.

@rauliruegas

That’s a great question.

Pursuance of a high-quality MM phono stage paired with a customized SUT can offer unique advantages in sound reproduction, especially if you’re aiming for transparency and musicality without coloration.

I am not saying, you can’t achieve transparency and musicality with a phono that offers both MC/MM option. There are lot of phonos with MM/MC options that are capable of high performance.

I am currently using a phono board in my Accuphase SS Integrated, which offers a pretty darn good sound. This phono board has set the bar pretty high, one may attribute its gorgeous sound to the shortest signal path and/or its natural synergy.

The next thing in my journey is to experience what others have experienced; elevated level of high performance that can come from integrating a customized SUT + MM phono stage.

Firstly, MM stage typically has lower gain requirements compared to an MC (Moving Coil) stage, which can lead to a quieter noise floor. By using a quality SUT, the low-level output of an MC cartridge is boosted passively, reducing the reliance on active electronics in the phono stage. This can result in a cleaner, more refined signal that’s less prone to noise and interference.

Secondly, a well-designed SUT provides natural impedance matching between the MC cartridge and the phono stage, which can preserve the cartridge’s dynamic range and transient response. This often translates into a sound that feels livelier, more dynamic, and musically engaging, capturing the nuances in rhythm and tonal shifts. With a good SUT, you can potentially achieve a seamless synergy that may be challenging to find in a typical active MC phono stage.

Lastly, I don’t want our conversation to turn into a tiresome debate so please keep in mind, this is my journey and I would like to explore and experience the two most prolific ways to get that sensitive MC signal to the phono stage.

Someday when you have a moment, read up on the trade-offs associated with using a transformer to increase signal voltage. In this thread alone, others have alluded to colorations related to the choice of wire used to wind the transformer, bandwidth limitation particularly in the bass which is just in the nature of an audio transformer, and distortion due to hysterisis and core saturation, not to mention the issues of impedance matching.  There is no free lunch. If SUTs were perfect, they would all sound the same, and there would be no need to spend big bucks for a well engineered one.

@lewm 

SUTs are far from perfect, and each introduces its own unique set of compromises. Transformers too come with intrinsic limitations, and the choices in materials, core design, and winding configurations have significant sonic impact. 

This is probably why well-engineered SUTs command high prices—they attempt to push their physical limitations as far as possible. In a sense, every SUT’s design is a balancing act between trade-offs, and some listeners value the character that each transformer’s unique “flaws” can bring to the sound.