SUT experience

Dear Raul, I consider you my friend even though we sometimes disagree strongly. I always respect your opinion. I was not offended by your remark about the Viv tonearm. I continue to enjoy mine very much.

I love that Raul could not resist taking a poke at my Viv Float tonearm. I’m verklempt.

If you’re really going to purchase a new phono stage, then do consider the PS Audio Stellar, as Raul suggested. But if your proclivities are toward a “vintage” sound, then you may also want to consider a modern tube based full function preamplifier to replace both the Mac and the Project in one fell swoop. I’d consider Quicksilver, Hegerman, VAC, Audio Research, etc. Many others are good too. For accuracy, the Stellar stands out.

Raul, I read the Stellar review. It seems to be superb. I’d recommend it to anyone interested in a new phono stage. The OP does not seem to be interested in a new phono stage. That was my point. It doesn’t help to respond to a question regarding implementation of existing gear by saying the inquirer should ditch his gear and by something else entirely, in my opinion. Apparently you and Mijo think differently. That’s fine by me. But don’t you think your approach might alienate newbies?

A “head amp” or “pre-preamp” is simply a linear active gain stage to boost the cartridge output so the ensemble can then drive an MM stage. If you start with a high gain MC phono stage, there’s no role for a head amp. And a head amp, like a SUT, requires the insertion of additional connectors and cables in the signal path.

Gilda as Roseann Roseannadanna.

Raul, I don’t know if the Project phono is better than the Mac phono built into the OP’s C47, but in any case he’s using the Project for phono gain and RIAA, not the Mac. And I don’t see the point in raining on his parade. Nor does his budget appear to allow for a Lino C phono stage. He came here for a little SUT education. I hope he got it. With all his gear, knowledge of the art is indispensable.

Sorry, I am not steeped in knowledge of the SPU series and so did not realize what you were talking about. With the Synergy (0.5 mV), you definitely do not need the 60db gain setting. Even 50db is slight overkill with a 1:10 SUT. For example, with the SUT the cartridge, and SUT are dumping 5 mV of output into the phono inputs. That is the typical output of a high output moving magnet cartridge. With such a cartridge, usually only 40 to 45 DB of phono gain, along with line stage gain, are more than adequate.

Adrian, In your last post you name 3 cartridges, none of which is identifiable as an Ortofon SPU, unless it’s “#1”. Then you don’t say whether my own assumptions of the current setup are correct. If you want commentary you need to be very specific.Not surprised that the earlier setup was grossly distorted. Also are you sure your phono offers 60 and even 65db gain in MM mode, where the cartridge or the SUT sees a 47K ohm impedance?

Adrian, do I understand correctly that your using an Ortofon SPU cartridge into a 10 ohm SUT into the Project phono MM inputs with phono gain set at 60 db, then into the Mac linestage? The SPU makes 0.2mV. Assuming your SUT steps up signal voltage by 1:10, that means 2mV into the Project. 60 db gain equates to a voltage gain of 1000. So the Project drives the Mac linestage with a nominal signal voltage of 2V, which is already enough to drive any typical amplifier to full output. But most active linestages add additional gain, like 10-20db. Is your volume control nearly fully to the left? In any case, try the 50 db gain setting on the Project.