yes, completely agree with @intactaudio . It all depends. I used to think the active stage was the way to go for LOMCs until I tried a few step ups and tried step ups with and without high 5 figure phono pres. Now use a step up from Ypsilon and have never looked back.
Fidelity Research FRT-4 and Entre ET-100 step-up transformer SUT comparison
These two vintage step-up transformers are often mentioned together along with Denon AU-340 as the ones to consider if you're running multiple turntables and tonearms like myself. I have the Fidelity Research FRT-4 and Entre ET-100 and here's a quick summary of my experience between the two. I'm unaware of any current SUT offerings that allow for multiple inputs and multiple impedance selections, let me know if there's one out there.
The Fidelity Research FRT-4 boosts my LOMC signal without any negative side effects that I'm able to hear. Background noise is now almost non-existence, I'm hearing so much more air and natural extension on the top end from both of my LOMC's. Vocals just float in the air with beautiful imaging, an experience I hadn't had before adding this SUT into my system. Overall, this SUT sounds clean, clear, and punchy with just the right amount of meat on the bones for a balanced organic sound.
The Entre ET-100 is a tad more laid-back-sounding compared to the FRT-4, the background noise is just as low with no negative side effect that I can hear. In my system, the top end doesn't sound as open and airy as the FRT-4. I love the way this SUT sounds with my jazz recordings, especially the few with a little more bite on the top end, the sound is more easygoing with this one. Build quality is just as good if not a little better than the FRT-4, and it's a little larger than FRT-4 which I was surprised by. The knobs feel smooth and sturdy with both of these units and I'm able to switch from one turntable to another without any noisy static through the speakers.
FWIW, the ET-100 allows you to use output cables of your choice, whereas FRT-4 has existing output cables. If there's a current SUT out there with all of these functions, it would garner much more than the price these two models are going for. I hope this helps someone who's considering between these two excellent SUT's.
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Dear @johnss : I agree that " all depends " but what I posted could be everything but " irrelevant ".
Now, as I see your " depends " belongs directly to each one of us main room/system quality reproductiuon targets against live MUSIC. The hardware you own depends of your main quality reproduction level that achieves that main target.
Your Ypsilon degrades ( no matter what ) the original cartridge signal above an active high gain stage even that it's what you like what achieves better your targets, it's that kind of added distor4ions what moves you higher and higher. No, nothing is wrong with what you like. R.
R. |
- 23 posts total