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
Talk to Dave.  I have his lcr and Avc stuff.  You are a tube guy and obviously  know what real music sounds like.   Have him build it you can swap  out load resistors.   Then you can find tune any carts you have or will get in the future.

Also the copper , for you , might be a better fit than  silver.  General  rule silver little more detail , copper  more body.

Enjoy the ride
Tom
Yeah I lean toward copper not silver, though I am sure there are always exceptions. I cant drop $2400 though so need to either find a used standalone sut or replace the suts in my preamp.
montaldo, 64 dB gain should be more than enough for the Koetsu. I'm not sure what the problem is. Perhaps it is a loading problem. Is the input impedance adjustable? 100 ohms is perfect for the Koetsu. If you can't adjust it than the Sowter transformers will certainly help. 

Mike 
rauliruegas, yes, some tube equipment can be a PITA. But some like my ARC phono amp run perfectly without a hitch. In 20 years I replaced the tubes once. IMHO the tube rolling gig is for people who want to become psychotic.