SUT help

Elliot, The phono stages in both of my phonolinepreamps have sufficient gain to handle any LOMC cartridge. I am going to generalize and say they both produce a total gain (including linestage gain) of more than 75db, probably more like 80db. They are both fully balanced designs. (One is my modified Atma-sphere MP1; the other is Raul’s 3160 Phonolinepreamp which can be configured for either of two levels of MC gain.) No MM stage is involved. 80db applied to the MC2000 output is enough gain to drive my Atma-sphere amplifiers with room to spare, and the amplifiers drive Sound Lab 845PX speakers which I have modified to make much more efficient than stock. To the OP: I have no beef with SUTs. I have heard SUTs do a fantastic job paired with an excellent MM stage. I just chose not to go that route. I can’t even give you a good reason why, except maybe I am a cheapskate.

I've experimented with "transimpedance" stages, and I prefer the above two preamplifiers to what I have heard in my system.  Let's call them "current driven", not transimpedance, because the latter term implies that impedances make no difference. They do, or it does make a difference.

@lewm Yes, I was just pointing to a reason why SUTs tend to be less spacious, detailed and involving even when properly loaded as compared to when you are able to run direct-in.

I am not seeking a route away from a SUT. 

My assessments to date have kept me close to them as a device to be used with a LOMC.

Most recently the very analytical assessing has been carried out on same support > same Plinth > same TT >same TA+Heads he'll, with same and similar Cart's from the same Brand.

Experiences are had with SS, Valve Hybrid, Valve Input/Valve Output, SUT's, or Head Amp. 

One  SS MC Input/ MM Input Phon used, is one I am seriously considering owning. I Struggle to see where there is wrong, as I can contentedly  listen to a MC Input without any concern, on the Phon's used, The end sound is fine and living with it for an extended period, is a welcome experience. 

Put a particular design for an SUT or Head Amp into the 0 and I find it hard to wish for anything different. 

I have from an audible experience no issue with the recent description a distortion is introduced, of which to a certain individual is an attraction. 

From an audible experience based on my ability to detect information extracted from the Groove, the options I have around me to use as  Phonostages are all seemingly with a Parity for being Spacious and Detailed.

I would say the SUT has the edge on creating the perception of being Involving and wanted to be maintained in use. 

My Perceptions of how an analytical period of listening impacts om me as an individual with unique preferences for an end sound. 

Pindac, I have no doubt that what you say is a true summation of your personal experience. I can only suggest that maybe you haven’t sampled some of the very best high gain phono stages. This is not to say that I would argue the superiority of any single approach to amplifying LOMC cartridges. Also, I might point out that a “head amp” either voltage driven or current driven is naught but an outboard gain stage that mimics the gain characteristics of a good high gain MC stage, which puts everything in one circuit without the necessity for a separate chassis and an added pair of ICs.

To the OP..no worries…. beehive is where the honey is.

Somebody said pick the distortions you like… i add nothing ( so far )  is free ….

I have in one system a highly modified vintage tube amp w what i consider to be some of the best output transformers ever made….so i’m not as pure as the driven snow….

Have fun…i looked at your system photos…lovey curated gestalt….