Phono Preamp. With transformer or fully active


What is the difference in sound between a fully active phono stage and one that uses a transformer for part of gain 

I read  discussions in External SUT’s being used and phono stages with built in transformers ?

I noticed that CJ Tea2 has two inputs one is with transformer & one is fully active ?

l also read discussions on fully active 
What is better?   Lol

is the sound softer, more detail , more soundstaging? Quieter?

jeff
frozentundra
denon au-320 is very nice, 2 inputs, 3 ohm or 40 ohm gain/loading options, and PASS

https://www.ebay.com/itm/DENON-AU-320-step-up-transformer-mc-moving-coil-cartridges-junk-products-phono/383631324085?hash=item59523573b5:g:f6QAAOSwhtNecvwE

this one, with transformers many people respect, including Bill, has 4 different values set by switch combinations, only 1 input, no PASS for MM (it has only 1 input, so not needed).

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Moving-Coil-Phono-Step-Up-Transformer-Cinemag-3440AH-4-Ratios-1-9-1-36-MC-SUT/124263990235?hash=item1ceeb603db:g:pwAAAOSwdehfBJnw

the EAR MC4, used, 4 variations, via 4 separate sets of inputs, 3/6/12/40 ohms inputs, no PASS, only 1 input, compared to the Fidelity Research it seems poorly thought out, clumsy, were switches thought horrible things?

https://www.willhaben.at/iad/kaufen-und-verkaufen/d/ear-mc4-step-up-transformer-390620595/

a few Fidelity Research FRT-4 are out there

https://www.hifishark.com/search?q=frt-4




I read  discussions in External SUT’s being used and phono stages with built in transformers ?


I thought the OP asked for a phono stage with built-in SUTs.

As for external SUT I found this model very usefull for all cartridges. 
I'm using a jensen SUT with a tavish design Tubed phono stage (mm input). This is paired with the hana el low output mc. The hana is a good match to the jensen, hana calls for greater than 400 ohms, the jensen is at 430 ohms. 
chackster,

that one

http://www.auduo-1.com/newgoods/K-L/LUXMAN/TYPE8020_TYPE8030/TYPE8020_TYPE8030.html

offers the potential for a full line of optional transformer plug-ins, like camera lenses.

buy what you need to start, buy a different plug in later for any cartridge you buy.

labeling inputs with ohms makes no logical sense to me. I think they should give/show the x factor on the dial/transformer. that makes easier math. why not produce windings that give round numbered x factors, i.e. 6x; 10x; 14x; 20x. that's all you need to know to calculate signal strength and x factor sq is much easier to calculate.

you look for your desired load, see the x factor, see if large enough signal.

a 3 column chart: x factor/ xf sq / gain +___db




The answer to your question, originally stated, is the difference is where the process of equalization occurs,

and it is that equalization stage where the sound varies the most.

SUT’s increase signal strength with no eq, sending the stronger signal out to be equalized elsewhere.

Lack of Hum is a major goal of a SUT, good/better/best transformers and shielding.