Step Up Transformer


I’m thinking of inserting a SUT into my system, and at this point the SKY20 from Bobs Devices seems to have it. Does anyone have experience with this SUT? It will be connected to Cadenza Black and either a McIntosh C70 or a PS Audio Stellar.

fundsgon

Ah the endless audiogon churn between those who pursue what should sound good versus those of us who only care what actually sounds good! I seriously don’t care what happens at or above 100kHz. And for vinyl playback, any significant signal below 20Hz becomes rapidly destructive.

Modern SUTs have plenty of bandwidth for high end vinyl playback. If I felt it were lacking up top, then I’d probably like the supertweeters on my Tannoys but I actually hate them.

If extreme bandwidth is the goal, then DSD should be the focus.

Putting the math to one side, it seems to myself, when a SUT is reported as being used/intended to be used, as a Standalone Device to amplify the Current/Signal produced in the Cart's Coils. The idea of using the SUT tranx's built into a Standalone Unit, receives much more discussion about Pro's/Con's or Preferred/Not Preferred, than the similar designed Tranx' types being a component used as a part on a circuit within a Phonostage to produce a MC Input.

I can't recollect seeing any commentary that makes a criticism of a Tranx' used as a component on a circuit within a Phonostage.   

Does this not suggest?, that the Additional RCA Connectors and required additional Pair of Cables are the main focus of the 'anti's' when commenting on SUT Tranx's being used to amplify a current/signal.     

@rauliruegas it's true you didn't say that with so many words, so I stand corrected. But you do keep repeating that a SUT only adds distortion, which seems to imply that the active MC gain device it replaces does not add or at least adds LESS distortion. If you look at the 'dry' specs you're probably right, but doesn't active circuitry add it own set of problems compared to a passive device like a SUT?

I'm not partial to either and use them both as equals. Both are capable of delivering great sound (or as you would say: according to MY set of preferred distorions), but when you choose the wrong combination the whole thing will collapse before your very ears. I've been very critical of Koetsu's sonics when used with several active SS gain devices. Its sound literally transformed using a silver wire SUT. In a less drastic way the Ortofons show the same behaviour. So I think there's more to it than just supposedly 'superior' specs on paper. It seems to me that dismissing SUT's categorically because of 'inferior' specs is a mistake.

 

@edgewear I visit a few forums, as I do not limit the content of a discussion I have an interest in to one forum only.

It is good for myself, to see where others from another place and set of experiences are commenting on similar subjects that have got my interest.

I can assure you that every forum, that has a dedicated Analogue Section, with a regular contribution from time served experienced members, also has a selection of members who thoroughly enjoy and are advocates of the SUT to amplify a Cart's generated current/signal, especially selecting a SUT for producing THIER preferred Sonic and through experiences encountered are using devices with recognised traits, that are associated with the device of choice.

The Good News is that an individual with an interest in such a method, will find plenty to suggest, their inquisitiveness, will not be wasteful and something that is quite attractive and desired to be maintained can be realised as the outcome.   

For what it’s worth, and that’s probably not much, a SUT increases signal voltage (not “current “), and a SUT decreases signal current in direct proportion to the increase in voltage. The product of voltage X current at the primary is equal to the product of voltage X current at the secondary side. So if V goes up by 10X, then A (current in Amperes) goes down by a like proportion. In this regard, a current driven phono input is the opposite of a SUT.