Sutherland PhD Issues

I'm starting this thread up again here in the analog forum, rather than pre-amp to garner more folk's input about this issue, in which a friend 1/2 way around the world is having.

He notes that he is still having issues with auto-shut down with his Unit, and that when he unplugs phono cables from the Unit, only then will it go to sleep.

His Cartridge is the Sumiko Bluepoint 2. My question is, doesn't this sound like it could perhaps be an issue with the Cartridge itself, or perhaps Tone-Arm-Phono Cabling? Could these components still be sending signal to the Sutherland, even while not being used?

Neil, and you other good folks here, your input would be deeply appreciated, and desired, thank you, Mark