SUT experience

I don’t know all of the science for sure but one thing I do know with absolute certainty is that on my MOFI copy of Dire Straits Communique, which I have listened to more than any record that I own, I’m hearing fingertips on fretboards and nuances that I did not detect in the past. It likely wasn’t a volume or sensitivity issue. The A5s are sensitive. I sometimes use a 100wpc solid state amp instead of my little 2A3s, I THINK the SUT is revealing more, at least compared to my inboard phono pre.  I’m going to do an extended listening session tonight. The blue note collection is coming 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?

I’m following along. As pleased as I am currently, I think my next upgrade is the phono stage for sure. My turntables are 100% restored, my cartridges are where I want to be. My flea watt amps get too loud for my heavily treated room.  I have a 21” horn sub, a PB16 ultra, and 3 sets of Altec speakers with custom crossovers. Being an underpaid Paramedic only allows me to spend about 10K annually on this hobby including record purchases. I’ll likely make a move on a phono stage late summer this year. I’d probably spend 3-4K realistically. Any more may not be appreciated at my mid-fi level of everything else but that is my plan today. I just need to continue to study so that I make a good choice.  As with a lot of things, I can’t afford an expensive one twice.  The pro-ject cost me one 12 hour shift so it was a fair trade. In my ignorance I thought the Mac was IT !  lol. I’m learning.  Thank you all. 

This is an interesting discussion.  I generally like the sound of the distortions added when an SUT is inserted into the chain, but find that there is no universal truth.  Of course adding one requires an additional set of phono cables and that can add a considerable expense.  My best SUT, a Consolidated made in Germany, cost several thousand dollars.  At the moment it is not in use.  That is not sensible.  On the other hand, I have several phono stages not in use right now either, such as the one discussed here from PS Audio, and one from Switzerland that cost close to $50k a decade or more ago according the guy who I got it from.  All boat anchors right now.  Currently I am listening to the new Conrad Johnson ART Phono.  Every one of these options is wonderful and they all have distortions.  Don't let anyone try to deceive you.  My advice with respect to any option is to try it and let your own ears tell you what sounds best to you.  Everything will have some distortion.  Who cares?  All that matters in the end is the music.

Exactly.  As I sit here listening, I try to listen to the music and not the equipment but we all know that is hard to do