Step Up Transformers….Are they Worth the Trouble?

I am familiar with Phasemation Audio Devices, they are usually handled in the UK by the Audio Dealers who work towards giving a customer something that can be very appealing without having to reach too far with their finances.

I am with experiences of Cart’s and a few Phonostages in a selection if systems and also have heard a Phon’ Model not too long ago in a Audio System I am very familiar with. I was also being familiarised at this time with a Bespoke Produced SS Phon, also carried out on a Audio System I am very familiar with in use. ’ which for myself, proved to be very impressive. The Phasemation and the other Phon’ being both SS Designs were for myself very impressive demonstrations.

I am confident in stating Phasemation are a Company that are able to offer products that create that little extra, which wins over loyal followers, who return to their products.

I feel very confident if the Phasemation SUT shown in the Link, was able to be acquired at the money as seen at the time of this post, even with the shipping fee, there will be a very happy customer.

In context, both of my used SUT’s each cost more than twice this price seen at the present, as a Commissioned Produced end product.

https://www.fromjapan.co.jp/japan/en/auction/yahoo/input/1151091863/

The next link will be one of interest in a discussion on SUT's.

 https://www.analogueseduction.net/phono-stages-phono-boards/Phasemationcst2000.html

(Herron being almost a tad aggressive in upper mids by comparison).

@mulveling I found this to be true of the most recent Herron linestage, as well, which I bought and then returned. My main preamp is a VAC.

@mulveling, thanks for your information. I just stumbled on your review of the Quadratic MC-1 SUT. 

As I've stated before I do love the way my rig sounds. However I have a lot of hum and at times notice some RF since adding a Triangle Art Maestro TT with the Horus 12" tone arm. I've been unimpressed with the service from its manufacturer. 

I'm wondering if adding the Quadratic MC-1 to the mix with my Herron VTPH-2A and using the MM taps would help? I use authentic Cardas Clear interconnects from the VTPH to the balanced line stage. The tonearm's cable is fixed and can't be changed.

I'm running a NAT Audio Symmetrical Balanced line stage, NAT Audio Magma mono blocks and Magico A3 speakers.

@lalitk 

had a great 3 hour listening session with a good friend/neighbor who knows my system well from jazz/scotch nights over the last 10+ years.  His first experience with my new SUT:  after 10 seconds he turned to me and said “wow”.  Our analysis:  everything just seems more palpable, physical.  Much bigger difference moving from old to new SUT than when I went from Hana EH (directly into phono pre) to Koetsu and old SUT.  

@mdalton 

Thanks for sharing…that’s saying a lot about HM-7 cause Hana EH and Koetsu are two very different carts and in opposite extremes in terms of $$$ and performance. I guess your previous SUT was holding back Koetsu.

Strange things happen when we keep an open mind :-)