This is very simple, besides the fact that you don't need a SUT. You can use any SUT with a 1:10 step up ratio. That means the signal voltage will be increased 10-fold, to 4mV with either of the two cartridges in question. That is easily enough signal voltage to drive the MM section of your Modwright, set to even 40db of gain. If that seems a tad lean, you can use the 46db setting, but the 52 db setting is definitely overkill. (The phono gain needed is somewhat dependent upon the gain added by your linestage, if you use an active linestage, the input sensitivity of the amplifier, and the efficiency of the speakers.) The load seen by the cartridge is the input resistor of the MM phono stage divided by the square of the turns ratio. If the Modwright has a typical 47K resistor at its MM inputs, then the cartridge sees 470 ohms (47,000 divided by100). That is absolutely fine for either cartridge. This is all you need to know.
SUT help
Hello all,
I've combed the forums and pretty much every SUT thread either devolves into arguments of the merits for/against, or gets hyper specific. I'm assuming to properly match a SUT, it needs to be selected based on the cartridge AND phono pre-amp. Since I haven't found a thread about my specific combo...here I am.
I don't know a TON about SUTs, but I'd like to experiment to see if adding one will enhance my experience.
Currently, my cartridge is a Hana ML and my phono pre-amp is the Modwright PH 9.0XT. I may possibly move up to the Hana Umami Red in the nearish future, but the specs are fairly similar between that and the ML.
Hana ML specs: 0.4mv; 7 ohm/1khz
Hana Umami Red specs: 0.4mv; 6 ohm/1khz
Modwright PH 9.0xt - MM input is 52db gain, with option to lower -6 and -12 to 46db and 40db.
I currently use the MC input which offers 64db of gain (-6, -12). I've typically kept it at 64db and alternate between 100ohm and 250ohm for load impedance settings. The 470 is too much.
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Not sure if its possible to have a SUT that would work well with both the ML and umami red, but if so, I'm all ears. If not and they each need specific ones, I'd be considering the ML first and foremost.
Any help is appreciated. I don't really have any clue how to determine what ratio is best and whether copper or silver pair better with these cartridges. I had EM/IA recommended to me in the past, but their pricing is well beyond what I'd like to spend on one (~$1500 or less, ideally?)
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SUT's that are a match to a Cart' are not all equal in their ability to impact on the end Sonic. On previous occasion within this forum, I have made it known different Brands / Models / Transformer Types used for DIY Builds are able to create the perception of a Rich Tone. The scale of Rich Tone can be perceived from a Hint of Rich, through to a very loose overbearing Lower Frequency Bloom. From experience of use I am Wed to SUT's that I perceive as being almost lean, a Very small hint of Rich end of the scale. A Head Amp is able to be perceived as being Lean and I do like these in use as an alternative presentation. As Rich Tone can easily become a detractor and unwanted, have you an idea of how much of a Rich Tone you would like to be exposed to during your listening periods ? |
@lewm Thank you for that - nice and simple! Makes total sense. The only reason I've wanted to try one out is to see if it will improve soundstage width/depth. I love the Modwright stage and the MC input is very nice, but I've never tried a SUT, so curiosity is getting the better of me! @pindac From what I gather, you're referring to a warm vs neutral vs bright/analytical? I usually prefer close to neutral. Musical without being too warm and muddy, but also without being TOO bright and analytical to where it can cause listening fatigue. Considering my setup is almost all tube, with SET amplification, I need to stay away from adding much coloration earlier in the chain. |
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