SUT help

I don’t know a TON about SUTs, but I’d like to experiment to see if adding one will enhance my experience.

I almost know NOTHING about SUTs, but all I know that either higher output cartridge or higher gain phonostage will outperform combination with SUT.

All you have to remember is the rule of number of components in the signal path. With SUT it's more components than without. Simple math there no science needed. 

@czarivey Thank You for your input, it does seem the Math is your Governor and the effect of the Sound produced on the individual is to be disregarded.

Such a stance sounds very very 80's when the upcoming of todays Super Brands were taking the Old Guard On, when the mantra was the Customers did not know how to listen, these are the very best products and customers are failing to appreciate them, as they don't know how to listen.

All was marketing spiel, one likes what they like. 

My response to those who believe in the Math only is one of my favourites.

You are welcome to disregard it, you seem pretty adept at that one,

 "There is a principle which is a bar against all information, which is proof against all arguments and which can not fail to keep a man in everlasting ignorance-that principle is contempt prior to investigation."

Some of the very best EE Designer / Builders do the math religiously and get the Oscilloscope to present a beautiful wave. Then the same EE will spend a very long period Voicing the Design, as the Math does only so much.

For the user of a SUT, it is a means to use a LOMC Cartridge and for those in the know, is also a means to Voicing a Cart'>Phon.    

@billstevenson Agree. I don't want this to turn into a debate on whether one is necessary or sounds different or not, since I'm a pretty firm believer in having to use my own ears to determine that. Even in my own system, what is perceptable to me might not be for others (and visa versa!). I merely want to explore what they have to offer, if anything, beyond the built-in SUT in my MW.

This also brings me to consider, even if I reach out to MW about having something different installed, I have absolutely no clue or reference point on whether anything else would sound different, so it could turn into an expensive back and forth endeavor. It might be better to first experiment with different outboard SET options and if there is one that I like more than the build-in, then I could discuss with MW to see if there is an option to replace.

I may not even perceive any difference on trying one, but mostly just wanted some guidance on how to go about matching with my components and some recommended options to try out.

@tomic601 Sure, but tubes last significantly longer and are significantly cheaper (unless you've got a PSET 300B or something). Cartridges last about 1-2 years max with me as I play quite a bit of records, so the recurring cost there is much more frequent and a lot more expensive. That's all.

@czarivey Sure, and I could probably get a bigger improvement by replacing all of my gear entirely with different, more expensive things, but that's not really the point of this thread. 😂 I'm just curious about SUT options is all, and like Bill touched on in his comment - add 'another tool to the toolbox.' If I try a few and can perceive absolutely no difference, then that'll be the end of that.

;-) Then i would recommend an Entre w Tamura transformers… $400-550 ish… u can flip it for about same…

I have personally tried lots of combinations with the Hana ML and Hana Umami Blue and Red.  1:20 is perfect if you set your phono to 40dB and 47k ohms.  If you have a Hana SL, then 1:10 is the best match.