Phono recommendations for Koetsu


I'm purchasing a Koetsu Rosewood (standard). This will mean either a new phono to support a MC or some type of step-up or head amp to go with my EAR 834P. My dealer recommends a step-up, Audio Note S2 to be specific, rather than a new upgraded phono stage, which surprised me. I'm wondering what others might think who have a Koetsu and/or have gone a similar route.

jaffeassc
It is a matter of taste; the only Koetsu I have sold so far[ a Vermillion] is being used with a Tron phono stage [tube] and works well. But SUTs work also and Audio Note makes some good ones. Their top one is fantastic by all reports but mega $. The Bob's Devices SUT would be a good one to try if you are not sure ; you would lose few dollars if you found you didn't like SUTs or wanted to upgrade to a more expensive one. I think what you should ask yourself is whether you like the sound of your present phono stage; if so I would try a SUT. I am getting a Rosewood myself shortly pending selling some gear ; it is a good choice in the price/performance spectrum.
A few options: I believe Bob from Bob's devices uses a Koetsu.
Another member uses a Choir Hashimoto SUT w/ his Onyx. Another option is David from almost live audio, who carries Koetsu and A-N SUT's. Another very good line is the Silver Core from Germany. Since you already have a phono stage, perhaps you could try a few SUT's.
I know diddly about SUTs, but I did know of the high reputation of Bobs devices which use a variety of Cinemag transformers, The mavens talk about the transformer used in specific models.
I have auditioned about a dozen SUT's for my Koetsu's (originally had Redwood Platinum and now have Onyx Platinum). My two favorites are:

1) Choir Audio H7. It uses the best available transformer from Hashimoto. Price is $1679 and Choir offers a 30 day in home trial.

2) Cinemag 1131 (blue label) from Bob's Devices. Price is $1195

I have purchased both. In my system the Cinemag has better overall frequency extention while the Hashimoto brings out the famous Koetsu midrange a bit better. Both have a very large soundstage and I recommend both highly.