I'm new to Step Up Transformers


     I've recently become aware of the existence of SUTs (step up transformers). My initial thought was " why do I need an SUT when my phono preamp (Zestos Andros PS-1) has a circuit for Low Output MC cartridges?
     But many people seem to think that an SUT plugged into the MM channel of the phono stage will be a massive upgrade. I'd love to hear the opinions of anyone who has experience with SUTs. Thanks!

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There is no better or worse here. It’s what works out in your system

@lowtubes Actually if you get the loading right you'll find there is 'better' and that the differences between your various SUTs is less than you thought.

 

Atmosphere, I’ve been through that already. The loading is correct on my vinyl. In fact many people do not know that proper loading is usually done from a selector switch on the phonostage in which the switch run through a series of resistors. Someone looking to have there preamp get the proper load for their cartridge is a very simple thing. Just look up the spec on the cartridge and insert the proper resistor in the phono input stage of the preamp. I’m way past the stage you talking about. I’m referring to getting the sound that pleases you and the end result that makes your heart happy when you listen to the vinyl playback. This is not something that is done from a technical point. It is something that your ears and heart tell you is right when you hear it. Sampling with SUT’s is only a small but also very involved part of what one can do to find that perfect sound they’ve been searching for. They’re so many variables in this hobby.  Years ago, many people fought the idea that cables don’t make a difference. Today just about every serious audiophile knows they do. And just about every serious audiophile probably has a collection of cables in their inventory. Without me experimenting with various cables my system would never be sounding as good as it does. My system is a mix of Silver and Copper hi end cables. SUT’s not only match the cartridge from a technical point, but they also add their own sound or sonic signature. I have 3 SUT’s that all match my cartridge perfectly, a 1950’s Ampex, 1950’s RCA and a 1950’s Thordarson. The Thordarson in “MY Setup” sounds the best,  most relaxed and natural sounding while still plenty of detail, musical, great bass and nice highs and very transparent and engaging. I’m not recommending any particular brand as I’ve been in this hobby for 30 yrs and know what sounds good in my home may not work in another. This is a very involving hobby. I’m not into the hifi fuses that are on the market now but I will say, I have a $200 Synergistic Research fuse on my $6,000 single end 805 tube amp and it sounds great. A friend let me try the fuse and I purchased it. I’m not into the fuse thing but there is a world there also. This is a crazy hobby with no limits.  

Yes 30 yrs and I’m still learning. I have many diehard buddies that been in the hobby longer and are great resources. I live in NYC and here we get access to everything with components, tweaks, designers, great audio clubs. 

In fact many people do not know that proper loading is usually done from a selector switch on the phonostage in which the switch run through a series of resistors. Someone looking to have there preamp get the proper load for their cartridge is a very simple thing. Just look up the spec on the cartridge and insert the proper resistor in the phono input stage of the preamp.

@lowtubes If we are talking about an SUT in the signal chain this is just about guaranteed to not work. But if you enjoy the sound that's fine.

I ran an LP mastering operation and recording studio so I have LPs I recorded. My perspective is thus a bit different; using LPs you recorded make a great reference for really knowing what is going on.

If you weren't referring to an SUT in the quote above, the loading resistor is really for the benefit of the phono section rather than the cartridge. When the cartridge plays it generates RFI (Radio Frequency Interference) which might be as high as 5MHz on account of the inductance of the cartridge being in parallel with the capacitance of the tonearm cable. Some preamps react poorly to that RFI so their designers added a switch to allow you different resistors which detune the resonance that causes the RFI. But if your phono section doesn't care about the RFI its plug and play. 

If you were talking about an SUT above, the capacitance of the tonearm cable and the cable between the SUT and preamp plays a role in the correct loading values (meaning its not something you can just 'look up'). Sometimes the correct load isn't just a resistor but a resistor and capacitor in series.