VAC Owners:Outboard Phono Stage?

Outstanding, Alon! And I must add that it's always a pleasure to read your witty posts.

I take it that your preamp has both MM and LOMC phono stages. The manual seems to imply that the version of the preamp it is based on can optionally have one or the other, but not both, although it mentions the existence of an early version and a later version of the preamp.

Also, I'm wondering what gain setting you are using on the transformer. As you no doubt realize, the gain of the transformer will be a key determinant of the loading seen by the cartridge.

You might find this thread to be of interest. As you may realize, the load impedance that is optimal for a given cartridge can be expected to differ when a SUT is used, compared to when the cartridge is driving an active gain stage.

As to why the apparent breakin phenomenon occurred, I haven't the slightest idea. My initial instinct would normally be to suspect that something unrelated was adversely affecting the sound during the first couple of hours, such as the warmup state of the equipment, or out of the ordinary AC line voltage or noise conditions. But the methodology you described would seem to have eliminated those kinds of possibilities.

Best regards,
-- Al

Hey Podeschi, this little jewel box is blowing my socks off. I'm really looking forward to hearing your impressions of Bob's SUT in your system. Indeed, your description of more "meaty and weighty" music with your current SUT is valid in my experience as well. I love that this increased heft can be had without the usual compromises of darkened tonal colors and loss of inner detail. Weight, detail and sparkle coexisting in one system... ahhh, life is good! SUTs rock.

Jfrech, I would love to do a blind A/B with the EAR and Bob's. At twice the price, I'm really curious about the MC-4.

Again, thank you so much for your original suggestion to try a SUT. I owe you one!
Alón

Al, thanks for the kind words. Yes, my VAC has both MM and LOMC built in. I'm using the low 1:20 ratio setting, which is what Bob recommended for my cartridge. That, I believe, translates to a load impedance of 118. I also use the Ground Lift switch, that in my system makes music emerge from a background so quiet and black that the first notes out of the speakers startles the cat! Bob actually researched my cartridge, and only then made his recommendations... considering the results, it sounds like he nailed it!

As for burn-in, I've experienced improvement over time in every component in my system. I dont think this any different. The delicate silver wires Bob uses in the 1131 took under three hours to show their magic. I think the SUT will get even better in the next 100 hours. I don't have a "cable cooker," so I'll just have to play a lot more vinyl... I know, poor me!

Alonski, I love your description - spot on, "I love that this increased heft can be had without the usual compromises of darkened tonal colors and loss of inner detail. Weight, detail and sparkle coexisting in one system..."