Ortofon Anna or Transfuration Proteus?

Hi Bigdish
I have similar gear. I tried to mount the 0.2mV Proteus on a 309D/Garrard 401 combo feeding a Ortofon 80SE SUT but was never satisfied. I suspect the Ortofon SUT may be the culprit. OTOH I am getting superb results with a Lyra Atlas on the Garrard 401 and the Ortofon SUT.

Bigdish
The Lyra Atlas and the Ortofon 309D is a superb match. The Atlas has a 0.55 mV output which works with the Ortofon SUT. I tried the Proteus with the 309D but the results were disappointing after trying a range of loading options from 33ohm upto 47kohm. Maybe it's the 0.2mV output of the Proteus or the high mass of the 309D.

I am somewhat wary of generalisations which rank audio components given the infinite variables involved and this is particularly true for a phono cartridge . For example , how many analog aficionados can truly claim that their tone arm wire is optimally burnt in given the small mV that a cart generates. Add to this , cart alignment, loading, TT speed stability, isolation, VTF and how it's measured, VTA and the list is pretty long if you get my drift. I can be pretty confident about some of these issues in the context of my own system but I am not sure about any other system. YMMV.
Sure anyone serious about this hobby can judge good sound but can you with some modesty pinpoint the causes for poor performance and identify the components responsible. IMHO , if someone characterizes a cart as sterile while the majority of ownership experience points the other way, I would not be swayed by the minority experience.
Just my 2 bits.
Disclaimer: Atlas owner

Phil
Thanks. It is certainly not my intention to question or invalidate your listening impressions. I have no quarrel with the statement that cart "X" sounded sterile in a particular system. That is a valid empirical observation. I do have a serious problem with the inference that can follow, namely that cart "X" is a sterile sounding cart.
David
Completely agree that the Proteus, Garrard 401 and 309D is a very ordinary combination. The 309D is best with cartridges that tend to be fast and agile. I am getting superb results with a Lyra Atlas. The newer SPU should be a great match.
Best
Pradeep

Phil
I hope you enjoyed the Aviors. It's a superb match with the Atlas ;-)