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SUT shootout

Over the past six weeks I have had the chance to finish a SUT "shootout". I thought I would post my impressions.

My system config for the shoot-out consisted of the following:

TT: Nottingham 294
Tonearm: SME 312S
Cartridge: Koetsu Rosewood Signature Platinum & Benz Ebony
Preamp: Shindo Masetto
Amp: Atma-sphere S30 and Tube Audio Lab 300B
Speaker: Hawthorne Trio (Biamped Open Baffle Speaker)

Music listened to covered multiple genres (rock, jazz, classical) in both 33 and 45 rpm formats. Because of the different turn ratios of the products I used a SPL meter and tried to listen with volume at roughly 80-85db.

My subjective ranking is as follows:

1. Hashimoto HM-7
2. Auditorium 23 "Hommage"
3. Hashimoto HM-3
4. Modified EAR-834P (Upgraded parts and tubes)
5. Sowter
6. MC from Shindo Masetto (Lundahl based transformer)
7. Cinemag
8. Altec (DIY)

The good news is that all of the above are extremely musical. There were no poor performers. I think most people would be happy with any of these products on their own. It was only in direct comparison where some of the differences became apparent.

The top three (Auditorium Hommage and both Hashimoto's) were a notch above the rest because they had both huge soundstages and the ability to dig deep into the music in regards to detail. The Hashmito HM-7 and Auditorium further distinquished themselves from the HM-3 by being more nuanced and textured. The Koetsu's warm tone came across better with these top 2. The tone using the HM-3 was more neutral in character. In comparing the HM-7 to the Hommage, I felt the HM-7 had a slightly better ability to separate instruments in complex musical arrangements and had a slightly lower noise floor.

The EAR and Sowter were very good at showcasing detail and texture but the soundstage was smaller than the top 3.

The internal SUT from the Shindo preamp had the most unique sound of the group and was the toughest to grade. It had the lowest noise floor and really shined in certain types of music (intimate vocals or small scale jazz/chamber music). However, the soundstage of the Masetto (Lundahl) was the smallest of all the products and when it came to larger scale music (symphonies especially) it had a harder time separating instruments.

The Cinemag and Altec were, not suprisingly, extremely similar considering their common heritage. The soundstage was larger than the Shindo, Sowter and EAR but smaller than the Hashimoto's and Hommage. Where I felt they came up a little short was in the area of musical detail. Of these two products, I placed the Cinemag higher because I thought it was slightly quieter.

It is interesting to note that the pricing of the products ranged from a low of approximately $350 (Cinemag based SUT) to a high of roughly $5000 (Hommage). My "winner" (HM-7) is priced at approx $1600 for a finished product.

Finally, I am aware that the performance of the products in question may differ substantially with other cartridges and systems so my ranking is a subjective opinion within the paramaters of my system, room and musical tastes. None-the-less, I had a fun time doing it.
sibelius

Showing 8 responses by sibelius

sibelius OP
256 posts
 
Stringreen: I prefer the Koetsu to the Benz. I love the tone of the RSP. Some may think the Koetsu's as overly "colored" but it hits the right emotional chord for me. I also find that the Platinum Koetsu's do a more than adequate job on the low and high ends as well. It may not be as detailed as some other cartridges I've had but it's strengths align perfectly with my tastes.

Stanwal: Agree with you that Cinemag SUT is an incredible value. In fact, I currently have a Cinemag SUT in my second system. I find the Cinemag to be extremely musical. It is only in a direct analytical comparison that I found I prefered some of the others.
sibelius OP
256 posts
 
Gadfly: The Cinemag has nothing to be ashamed of. My second system pairs the Cinemag SUT with a Denon 103R cartridge and the music flows wonderfully. The Cinemag may not catch all the micro details as well as some of the more expensive SUT's but on a macro level I find it boogies right along with the best of them.
sibelius OP
256 posts
 
Dertonarm: The whole purpose of the "shootout" was to determine what SUT worked best in my system. I never implied otherwise. However, I think the post may be of some help to those folks who may have similar equipment.

sibelius OP
256 posts
 
Dougdeacon:

I agree with you 100%. Post was not meant to be authoratative. I needed a SUT and had the opportunity to test drive a bunch in my system. I had a blast doing it so I thought I'd share my subjective opinions with the board. That's it. I made a point of listing my equipment. It might help a few readers that have similar gear (Shindo preamps & Koetsu cartridges etc..)

I am old enough and been in the hobby long enough to realize one never should talk about equipment in absolute terms. Too many variables and personal preferences involved.
sibelius OP
256 posts
 
All - points well taken. Now that I've brushed myself off from the pumelling :) I want to at least mention that none of the SUT implementations were done by me. Just for the record:

The Cinemag and both Hashimoto SUT's are finished products purchased directly from Choir Audio in Georgia. The Cinemag was intially purchased for a second system with a Denon 103R cartridige. Choir Audio was aware of the Koetsu when I purchased the Hashimotos (First purchased the HM-3 version and later "upgraded" to the HM-7 when that became available).

The Sowter SUT was purchased directly from Bob's devices. Bob recommended the unit specifically for the Koetsu.

EAR 834P was purchased and modified ( specifically for the Koetsu) by the Analog Room in San Jose. Scott Franklin of Wavestream performed the Mods.

Auditorium Hommage was a loaner from PitchPerfect Audio in SF. The Shindo Masetto Preamp was purchased from PitchPerfect.

I currently still own the following with the rest returned or sold.

Hashimoto HM7
EAR 834P
Cinemag
Altec
Shindo Masetto
sibelius OP
256 posts
 
Toufu:

I got my Hashimoto SUT's (HM-3, HM-7) thru Choir Audio. He (John) also has a Cinemag version as well.
sibelius OP
256 posts
 
Dr. John:

Hashimoto SUT was plugged into MM connection of preamp. IC was Shindo.

Br3098:

Agree with you that Bob's Blue Cinemag is a major step up from the normal Cinemag and worthy of consideration. I also have one, enjoy it, and find it a great value for the money. I still slightly prefer the Hashimoto with my current cartridge (Koetsu Onyx Platinum) but the Blue is neck and neck with it. A refurbed Garrard with Ortofon SPU will be arriving in about a week and am currently planning on using the Blue Cinemag in this setup.
sibelius OP
256 posts
 
IMO, the blue cinemag is more extended than the HM-7. The HM-7 brings out the Koetsu tone a little better than the Blue - especially in the midrange. Soundstage is very large for both. Blue is a tad bit more more up front sounding (or you can say the HM-7 is a tad bit more layed back). Both are well built but I like the design of the Choir Audio SUT better. It is larger and heavier. The blue is small and rather lite. Having exposed transformers looks cool but I personally like them in an enclosure for extra protection. Both are great sounding SUT's and I can't imagine anyone disliking either. The step up from the Cinemag red to blue is huge.
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