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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?)

128x128mmcgill829
mmcgill829's avatar
mmcgill829 OP
144 posts
 

@theflattire I think the Sound Tradition Live MC-10 uses HM-7s, but not totally sure. I can't find any info on it as far as if they are still made. The only pre-made SUTs I can find with HM-7 are Swissonor and they're something like $3300, which is a bit crazy. I do not have the equipment or skills (or confidence to not screw up) trying to make one myself.

I'm not expecting any earth-shattering improvements (mostly everything I'm doing with my system involves small tweaks) but if I end up with a notch up in performance for around $1000-1500, that's fairly cost-effective versus many other upgrades and tweaks!

theflattire
132 posts
 

@mmcgill829 

I got my Hashimotos on eBay from a Japanese seller.  I believe I paid around $1300.  He lists it for more but make an offer and he will discount it.  Made to order so it takes about a month.

I"ll try and do a A/B with/without tonight and let you know.

There are a lot of other SUTs I would consider.  I would try and stay around 1:10-1:15 because of the gain in the Modwright.  Maybe Ned Clayton (ebay) Cinemag 1254s.  I had those for a while and they were fine.  Half the cost of the Hashimoto.  I would have to consider what is better than the Lundahls?

mmcgill829's avatar
mmcgill829 OP
144 posts
 

@theflattire home&scitek on ebay? Interesting. Looks like they just use a kit basically.

billstevenson
345 posts
 

You also should look at Bob's Devices.  His are excellent and I believe he might offer a return privilege.  10:1 would be a good ratio for what you want.  IMHO, any phono stage is improved when an SUT is inserted.  I just like the way they sound. My current favorite and newest phono stage is the current top offering from Conrad Johnson, the ART Phono.   At $28K it sounds marvelous either way, but I gravitate to using an SUT with it most of the time.  A Good SUT or two is handy to have.  You will not regret the acquisition.

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