Audio Innovations Series 800 SUT - looking for info


I have just added an Audio Innovations Series 800 Step Up Transformer to my collection, and I very much like the sound, and how it works with my cartridge[s]. 

 

This model has a switch to load at either 3 ohms or 15 ohms.
 

I understand it was a product of Peter Qvortrup’s company before he started Audio Note, and that the transformers might be very similar.

 

Did A.I. make the transformers themselves, or purchase from a supplier? Can someone confirm the 800 has copper wire, while the 1000 has silver?

 

And if anyone knows this model and more recent Audio Note SUTs, your opinions on similarities and differences would be much appreciated.

fusian

I expect the S1000 is wired the same as your S800.  The switch on my S1000 connects a pair of transformer windings either in series or in parallel.  I removed the switch and simplified the wiring for a nice improvement in sound quality.  I later replaced the 1980s RCA jacks with new Audio Notes for another improvement.

Ah, the joys of SUT ownership! I have several. I never bothered with the specs. They all sound different, as do the mc cartridges.

The switch most likely has nothing to do with "loading".  The switch more likely indicates the recommended internal resistance of the cartridge. In other words, for a cartridge with an internal resistance of ~3 ohms, use the 3 ohm inputs.  For a cartridge wtih an internal resistance of ~15 ohms, use the analogous inputs.  The choice of inputs then determines the turns ratio between the primary and secondary windings, which in turn determines the voltage gain at the outputs.  Since a "3 ohm" cartridge can drive a lower phono input impedance than can a "15 ohm" cartridge, the turns ratio in the former case is likely to be higher (i.e., more voltage gain) than the turns ratio for the 15 ohm cartridge. Somewhere you can probably find what the respective turns ratios actually are.  The numerical values of 3 and 15 ohms are not absolute, meaning you don't have to use cartridges with internal resistances of exactly those two values.  For the 3 ohm inputs, probably anything from 2 to 8 ohms works fine.  For the 15 ohm inputs, probably 10 to 20 ohms.  If you can find out the turns ratios, you can then calculate what works without guessing.  You want the cartridge to see an impedance at least 10X its internal resistance, and the impedance seen by the cartridge will be the resistance at the phono inputs (almost always 47K ohms) divided by the square of the turns ratio.

I have experience of both these SUT's a friend has been a collector of AI Equipment and used these with a Valve Input /Output Phonostage. 

I have heard these used in the same system with different Motor Drive TT's and Valve Amp's and Horn Speakers. 

In my own system, I know I have heard one Model in use, I can't recall,. 

The Demo's I had left me with the view the SUT Influence was creating an overwhelming Bass Heavy Presentation., which is the Antithesis of my taste. 

My friend loves Rich Sound, and these were very capable to satisfy their needs