Choosing the right SUT for my setup

I've never understood why someone would choose a SUT except as a temporary solution when going to LOMC from MM. I did this when I first started using LOMC. It would seem that the compromise is more than the benefit. You will have a n extra component and extra cable in the chain. Then there is the sonic signature and questionable loading. The biggest benefit is the cost which can be cheaper than a good phono preamp with enough gain for the LOMC. But even this is not set in stone. I remember the Bent SUT was around $1k some 15 yrs ago..

Considering that I don't know everything, I would be grateful for someone to tell me why I am wrong. Thanks

@audioguy85 

SUT is a 1/10 version does not necessarily mean the cartridge will see 470 ohms. Here is an example, my Jensen mc-2rr-L has a 430 ohm impedance that the cartridge will see, while my Rothwell mcx SUT, also 1/10, presents a 100 ohm loading.

So you have $$$ tied up into 2 SUT’s rather than one. Yes, Different loadings can be done with the use of resistors. I made loading plugs which did the same. Bent SUT was set up for loading pliugs. But you STILL have an extra component and cable rather than the shortest path.

Also, load is important as it changes the character or response of cartridge

Yes, I understand that. But its NOT a positive thing for the cartridge according to Ralph @ Atmasphere. The loading stiffens the cantilever and is necessary for the preamp so it does not ring like the cheaper ones generally do @ 47K. FWIW I have been running my .LOMC at 47K for about 15 yrs. I have loading plugs to make any value I want. But I chose 47K because it sounds best

It is also better to use a SUT for a low output m/c rather than a preamp with m/c capability. The reason being most preamps rely on j-fets to boost the signal.

That may be true with some but I doubt all of them, especially tubes. I have an SS which I use the 47K loading. So i find your assertion at least questionable. But even if so, you still haven’t dealt the the addition to the signal path. I suspect whatever gains may be made using your idea are then lost with the addition of an extra component and cable.

That said, I appreciate your response. I just disagree mostly. But if you like what you are doing, great. I’d be glad to listen with you.

Folks, I asked for enlightenment which you have given. So thanks for your responses. Here is what I said from the beginning

The biggest benefit is the cost which can be cheaper than a good phono preamp with enough gain for the LOMC. But even this is not set in stone. I remember the Bent SUT was around $1k some 15 yrs ago..

As I read through all the technical jargon, I believe we are coming from different viewpoints. A DIY POV and a Consumer POV. I am the leter and speaking from my experience and my observations. I believe you are coming to it from theoretical POV. IOW many DIY posters which is fine IF you are that sort. I am a retired builder and chose to build my own house. So I speak as a builder. Many if not most of you are doing the same in building a phono preamp out of different components put together to meet the needs of LOMC. I can applaud that. But not all of us here are DIYer nor have the electronic background to know the various theories involved.

We (I) are/am a consemer. For me its all about getting to the music. I have no desire to own #’s of various components IE audioguy85. But I do have 4K vinyl albums, 1K CD & about 1500 Flac albums. But that is me plus a lot of other audiophiles who are not DIYers in this arena.

But back to the house as an example. I built my own because it would cost me less and I believe I am in the top 2% of my trade. And this is what I said from the beginning. It is cheaper. But only for the DIYer who understands the electronic theories and has worked with the guts of these things, For the typical consumer it is generally NOT cheaper nor better. But maybe you can make it cheaper & maybe better. But I’m still not sold on better. But if you like it, then great. That is what this hobby is about...pleasing our own ears.

So again thanks and I hope you realize that none of what I have said was meant to offend anyone

@jctyler 

I must also apologize for highjacking your thread. I didn't mean to do so. But maybe you have both sides of the issue. Choose one and enjoy