Note that if you buy bare transformers as opposed to a complete box, you save most of the money you would otherwise spend for equivalent quality. Just saying'.
Step Up Transformers….Are they Worth the Trouble?
Some of you may aware of my Garrard 301 project, it’s now very close to completion. The plinth finally shipped from Hungry after 3 months of long wait.
Given my last experience with Hana Umami Red, I would like to take things to the next level. Which brings me to mating low output cart with a SUT. Every review I’ve read so far suggests when the SUT-MC match is right, the end result is heavenly. The bass is right, the midrange is clear, and most importantly, the highs are relaxed and extended—not rolled off.
I am not saying you can’t get great sound without a SUT but it appears with a properly matched SUT, sound can be quite magical.
Thought this would be the right time to get input from experienced users here since I am still contemplating my cartridge and outboard phonostage options.
My preference would be to go with a tube phono…I kinda miss tinkering with tubes :-)
My system, Garrard 301 (fully refurbished), Reed 3P tonearm, Accuphase E-650 with built-in AD50 analog board ➡️ Tannoy Canterbury’s.
Cart and phono under consideration through my dealer,
Fuuga - Output : 0.35 mVrms | Impedance : 2.5 Ω (1kHz)
Phonostage - Tron Convergence and Konus Audio Phono Series 1000
The cart - MC combination, I am lusting after is Etsuro Urushi Bordeaux MC with their Etsuro Transformer.
https://www.etsurojapan.com/product/bordeaux
The other transformer is EMIA, cooper or silver version.
Your input is appreciated!
Showing 6 responses by terry9
@mdalton I have tried 4 SUT's with my diamond Koetsu: lower cost Sowter (OK), Koetsu (a bit dull), Audio Note (expensive), and Lundahl 1931 AG (best transformer overall). My Mayajima hums when feeding the phono stage directly, so I use the 1931's for that - but otherwise I have a slight preference for direct amplification. The 1933AG might be better than the 1931AG here. Best sound of all is my big Grado, which needs no help. |
@mdalton Only a guess, no experience. |