2. analog
  3. 190271-110858

Do I Need A SUT

I recently moved from a PS Audio BHK Reference pre amp to an LTA ZTOL pre amp.  I found the LTA pre amp to be more detailed slightly warmer and it just sounded better in my system.  I also noticed a big difference in the output volumes between my digital rig and my analog rig. At the same volume level, my turntable volume is now much lower than my streamer volume, as opposed to the way it was before.

Analog gear - Technics SL-1200G turntable w/ Ortofon Quintet Black cartridge and PS Audio Stellar phono pre.  Digital gear: Innous Zenith MK2, Matrix DDC, and PS Audio DirectStream DAC MK2.  Power amp: PS Audio BHK250.  Speakers: Tannoy DC8-Ti.

Before, I used all Transparent Super XLR balanced interconnects, except for the turntable RCA cable into the phono pre.  Now, the only balanced cable is from my DAC to the ZTOL, which has only one XLR input.  I replaced my Transparent XLR interconnects with Transparent super RCA interconnects.

Do I need a SUT to get a higher level of sound at a lower volume setting?  My budget is $1,500.  I know nothing about SUTs other than what I've read. I'm considering the Ortofon ST-7.  Recommendations welcomed.

oldschool1948

Showing 3 responses by mashif

mashif
312 posts
 

The balanced outs are usually 4v and unbalanced 2v.

In my experience, that's not been an issue. I would expect the preamp to balance that before it's output. But that's the only thing that comes to mind. 

I would ask the folks at LTA. Very helpful people.

mashif
312 posts
 

I see the LTA preamp only has RCA outs so maybe the balanced input is going to be louder. You might be better off going all RCA for consistency. It's not going to affect sound quality with short cables.

mashif
312 posts
 

@audioman58 

The LTA preamp has the Lundahl transformer on input to convert it to SE. You can only use XLR there. The rest are all RCA. Changing the overall gain won't change the difference in level between his phono pre and his DAC. 

 

 

More to discover