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Choosing the right SUT for my setup


I’ve decided to add a SUT to my setup. My MC carts are a Denon 103R (14 ohms/0.25mV) and an Audio Technica AT-OC9XSL (12 ohms/.4mV). I’m trying to decide between two used SUTs: the Denon AU-300LC and the Denon AU-320, both having a 1:10 ratio. Would loading ideal gain for the 103R and the OC9 be best achieved thru a using a calculator and installing a resistor that can be switched for carts or testing with a trimpot then installing resistor? I’ve also seen writeups where the OC9 is put on a 1:12 SUT and 1:20 for the 103R; from the boards experience is that pushing overload, or its in a good spot?

jctyler

Showing 3 responses by billwojo

billwojo
397 posts
 

I don't really see anything wrong with that Ebay kit, all you really need is a well shielded box with decent RCA connectors. The CM-1254 are shielded in MU metal cans so the metal box is mainly to shield the exposed wires inside.

You might want to contact the Ebay seller that sells the finished chassis for plug in style transformers. He uses the very nice Hammond die cast aluminum chassis. I'm thinking he can sell you a chassis with all the parts and predrilled to mount it all in. Be worth a shot.

 

BillWojo

billwojo
397 posts
 

artemus_5, you keep saying there is another component in the path when one uses a SUT. With a built in active MC stage there are a LOT more components in the signal path, look at any MC stage schematic for verification. A high quality SUT will amplify the voltage while taking away or adding nothing. It's the beauty of a SUT.

 

BillWojo

billwojo
397 posts
 

I think that most folks looking to get into an MC cart already have a MM phono stage so the only expense is the addition of a suitable SUT. An awful lot of MC carts can be handled with a 10:1 step up ratio.

Look at dover's experience with carts, he has had a lot of MC carts and they all fell into the 3 to 40 ohm range.

Something like the Denon AU-340 with Tamuri transformers has switch setting for either of those ranges. These transformers are very highly regarded and can be purchased quite reasonably from Japan.

So for the average person just wanting to upgrade into the MC league it doesn't have to be an expensive proposition if he already has a decent MM stage.

I started with my Audio Research SP8 preamp with phono and when I picked up my Denon DL-103 I started with the Denon AU-320 SUT. I was blown away with the great sound and later when I upgraded to the AU-340 SUT it got even better.

I don't have a great deal invested in my system compared to many, but it sounds very musical, more so than some expensive systems I have heard at other peoples houses or at dealers. I have yet to hear a system that I would trade for, maybe someday but for now it's a keeper.

 

BillWojo

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