2. analog
  3. 169469-3674

SUT Advice - Which Ones Are The Best?

I am currently in research mode.  I want to add a SUT to my set-up but I am finding that there is not a lot of information from my local audio shop resources.  It seems that SUTs are outliers in the high end audio world.  
That said, I have read several articles in magazines and the web touting their merits.
Of all the brands out there I am most familiar with Bob's Devices.  Art Dudley wrote many good things about his experiences with Bob's SUTs, and I happen to trust Art (God rest his soul), but I'm wondering if there are others I should consider as well.  Please post your recommendations if you have experience with any SUTs, regardless of brand.
As for my set-up, I have a SME 20/2 turntable, Tri-Planer tone arm, Lyra Kleos cartridge, and KTE LCR Mk5 Phono preamp.  I do not know if I will always use a Kleos cartridge but I do think I will always buy low output MC carts.  I hope to buy something that will work with low output MCs but have some adjustability just in case.
I'd love to hear your recommendations.
Thanks!
Peter
128x128snackeyp
chipdelacalzada
64 posts
 
I only have limited experience with SUT's, auditioned an Ortofon SUT once but unfortunately, there was a gain mismatch with my then AT33 PTGii cart so I wasn't convinced that adding one would be an advantage. Then, a very experienced audio buddy of mine told me about http://www.acoustic-dimension.com/silk-audio/silk-audio-supermalloy-mc-220A-step-up-transformer--pag...

Made in Thailand, the few reviews I chanced across online were encouraging, pricing also made it attractive. Bought it blind and based only on that one recommendation and it turned out to be a great addition to my analog chain. I've compared the Silk SUT with the MC section of my phono pre (which uses permalloy transformers) many times and hands down using a SUT into the MM stage of phono smokes it every single time.


zazouswing
148 posts
 
I currently run the Bob’s Devices 1:20/1:40 with the Denon 103R and a Hana Mono SL; an Icon Audio 1:10 with the Hana ML; and the Miyajima ETR Mono with Zero’s and Infinity. The Miyajima does have a switch to select impedence in addition to primarily and secondary coil taps. Between the three I would call Bobs Devices the most transparent, the Icon Audio the most lush, and the Miyajima the most compete. If the Miyajima Stereo fits, that’s where I would go. 
rphart59
1 posts
 
I recently picked up a SUT from Ned Clayton for my Denon 103R. Cinemag 3440AH transformers with four winding ratios - 1:9, 1:12, 1:18 and 1:36. Quality product and was reasonable at under $400. He has an eBay store where you can browse what is for sale or email him directly. 
itsjustme
681 posts
 
70s era Mitch Cotter strapable transformer like i have  LOL?

(but am not presently using since I'm in the hell of trouble shooting a configurable FET/BJT cost effective module- noise gremlins lurk everywhere when the effective gain from the needle to the speaker is 20,000X)

spotcheckb
34 posts
 
I run a Bob's Devices Cinemag Sky40 with my SPU's and an Auditorium A23 with my DL-103's
More to discover