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Advice on SUT for Koetsu Rosewood - EAR MC-4, Slagle/EMIA, other

I recently tried a friend's Sound Traditions Hashimoto hm7 transformer-based sut and overall the sound was substantially more Dynamic and alive and generally better than my current Berning preamp MC section. The problem was the images were just so large and the presentation a little too forward for my tastes. I am thinking a different Sut such as the EAR MC- 4 or an Intact Audio (Slagle) Step Up Transformer, copper.

Has anyone used these Sut's and could advise about whether they might do what I'm looking for? I'm hoping to add more dynamics and life but I do prefer a slightly laid-back presentation to a forward one and I don't want giant instruments in the soundstage. I listen to mostly old Jazz and Blues with some rock and classical mixed in. I am not looking for the last word in in treble detail or "air" and my biggest sonic priorities are organic , rich mids, good sounstaging, and a realistic tonal balance that does not accentuate the top end as so many components seem to do (IMHO). So I guess I am looking for a sut with a reputation for musicality and richness, without javing a forward sound. But I would love somethng as amazing sounding as the Hashimoto HM-7 based SUT.

My system is a Koetsu Rosewood Signature (.4mv), Jelco 850M on a Sota Star Sapphire, Berning all-tube bespoke capacitance coupled preamp (46 dB gain on the MM stage, Jensen transformers on the moving coil stage), Quicksilver v4 monos, Verity Audio Pafisals.

Thanks for any thoughts.


montaldo

Showing 1 response by charliee

charliee's avatar
charliee
148 posts
 
montaldo,
You can try contacting Isao Asakua of Hashimoto, he can help you in getting the right transformers for your application. Isao Asakura, [email protected]. I was going to go with Hashimoto SUT’s myself until I found a pair of MU Audio SUTs, they have Stevens and Billington transformers inside. The Hashimoto are excellent, definatly superior to the Jensen’s, and the MU audio are better still. If you have to add loading its going to drop your gain and degrade the sound. Better to avoid that if possible. If you have a good tech, he can install the Hashimoto’s in your phono pre if there is space and you are good to go.
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