If you have enough gain now, then IMO a step up is just another piece of equipment lengthening the signal path rather than shortening it. This is just the opposite of good design principles. The phono preamp is as important as the Turntable itself. It handles the smallest of signals. So spend the $$$ on an upgrade which is a new phono preamp, not a SUT.
Step up transformer or upgrade phono preamp?
So I’m looking to further develop my analog system. I currently have a vpi Aries scout with a jmw9 tonearm and a Soundsmith zephyr MIMC star going into a Vincent pho 701. I enjoy the sound I’m getting but I am constantly looking for “better”. More dynamics, higher resolution etc. I know my phono pre is the weak link in that lineup and I’m wanting to upgrade. So what are your thoughts? Upgrade the phonostage or invest into a separate SUT?
Showing 3 responses by artemus_5
This company was introduced yesterday in another thread. I have not heard their equipment so I can’t say how good it is. Others endorsed it. and it does have more gain. FWIW I am using 60db phono preamp with a Zyx 4D .24mv. I’m sure there are others. Alnic 1202 (?) comes to mind. http://www.thebestamp.com/Phono_Pre-Amps/P-1001.php |
I am not against SUT's when implemented by designer as part of the system. But that is a far cry from the typical consumer who buys a 3rd party SUT and installs it with their phono preamp because it doesn't have enough gain. I believe that boosting the gain is the only reason to have the SUT. I've done it before many yrs back but it was a patch for a problem of lack of gain with a MM phono preamp. So what am I missing? I can't imagine adding a $1k Denon SUT to a $600 phono preamp. That just seems wrong headed. With the extra cable you will have even more expense. That $1100-1200 can go a long way towards a better phono preamp. Why boost an inferior signal when for the same $$$ you can get a better quality signal with proper boost? Am I missing something? |