External step-up transformer with Io or MP-1

Sometimes it's Magic

What you're saying is that in rare instances, when perfectly matched with a particular cartridge, an SUT offers more benefits than just the reduction of noise.
This is what intrigues me.
Have you heard any of the offerings from Auditorium 23?

I've tried the MP-1 both ways- a few years ago some ex-partners of mine were real advocates of the SUT. My experience is that while you can get the overall setup to be quieter, ultimately you find that the phono is not as interesting as before- brighter, less bass impact, less transparent- in effect, more 'digital'. Ick.

So I went back to direct-in. What an improvement! The big deal seems to be making sure you actually have quiet tubes :)

After I got the company back, we introduced the MP-1 MkIII. One of the big improvements is in the phono; vastly improved constant current sources in the phono section cut noise, increased gain and reduced distortion. In effect, there is even less incentive to run a SUT than there was before. I've been using the ZYX Universe and also the Transfiguration Orpheus with no worries.

Thanks Ralph.

My experience is that while you can get the overall setup to be quieter, ultimately you find that the phono is not as interesting as before- brighter, less bass impact, less transparent

These traits are what I would expect to hear from an SUT and, as such, I was surprised to hear people taking about the 'magic' that some of them provide.

Given the choice, I think I would prefer analog though a really good transformer than listen to digital :)

Message received.