Phono Preamp. With transformer or fully active


What is the difference in sound between a fully active phono stage and one that uses a transformer for part of gain 

I read  discussions in External SUT’s being used and phono stages with built in transformers ?

I noticed that CJ Tea2 has two inputs one is with transformer & one is fully active ?

l also read discussions on fully active 
What is better?   Lol

is the sound softer, more detail , more soundstaging? Quieter?

jeff
frozentundra

Showing 1 response by mikelavigne

@rauliruegas

right you are. i enjoyed my EMIA Ag 1:10 SUT so much, i purchased a second identical one for my other cartridge.

here is a picture: (scroll down the post to the last picture)
https://www.whatsbestforum.com/threads/etsuro-gold-mc-cartridge-in-house.29780/page-10#post-662650 .

my CS Port phono stage has one MC 63db gain input, and 2 40db gain, 47k ohms loaded inputs. so i’ve added those 2 SUT’s from Intact Audio and the performance is outstanding. there is a sexyness to these SUT’s superior to any high gain active phono pre i’ve heard.

added note; i worked for a couple of months with Dave Slagle with Intact Audio, tried a few different SUT’s, and ended up with the perfect one’s for my situation. Dave was awesome to work with and held my hand through the process. thank you Dave! you don't need to be a techie to use an SUT.