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Luxman E-250 or Sutherland 20/20, or something else?

Moving on from my C48 preamp which had a very capable MC/MM phono section. In the $2,500 +- category narrowed it down to the Luxman and Sutherland 20/20. Didn’t know anything about either till I started researching. The Luxman has some cool design features and more flexibility than the Sutherland, IMO. I’m intrigued by their step up transformer for LO MC carts, which I have (Cadenza Black). Filter switches could be nice to have. The mono function seems intriguing but do I need it if I use a mono cart? However, very little user feedback online about this product. 

The Sutherland obviously has a solid reputation with Stereophile and Absolute Sound recommendations. Also, lots of user feedback that generally provide favorable reviews. Not too fond of having two wall warts for the base model so would probably have to spend the extra for the line power supply, so that puts the 20/20 about $400 more than the Luxman. Is the extra money worth it for the 20/20 over the Lux? Has any one tried either of these? Any other recommendations in this price range? Thanks in advance for your comments/questions. 
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bfoura OP
87 posts
 
How about the Parasound JC3+? Any thoughts on how this one compares to the other options suggested? 
avanti1960
1,405 posts
 
I have had the sutherland 20/20 for a few years and the optional liner power supply for about a year. 
it supplies more than enough drive and dynamics and sounds amazing.  
ran it with an Ortofon Cadenza Blue .5mv and the sound was nearly as dynamic as my Marantz SA8005 SACD player which is incredibly dynamic.  
More recently the 20/20 really showed its mettle by cleanly powering a new Audio Technica ART9XA at 0.2mv running 64db.  
refined, dynamic, noise free and squeaky clean colorful sound.  
the myths of the Sutherland pres lacking dynamics are not true, possibly stemming from the early battery powered units.  
They do accentuate the high top end a little by virtue of an RIAA curve that compensates for the mother cutting head.  the result is extended top end that makes vinyl sound equally clear and detailed as the best digital sources.  most preamps give vinyl a rolled off sound. 
the 20/20 with LPS for clear, clean dynamic sound.    
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bfoura OP
87 posts
 
I ended up going with a Herron 2, not 2A. I like there design approach, got a decent deal on it, so worth giving it a go. I like there does Spoke with Keith Herron about getting additional plugs. Supper nice guy. It’s nice knowing your product can be supported if need be. I’ll keep you all posted. Merry Christmas and happy holidays!
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three_easy_payments
2,097 posts
 
@bfoura

Congrats on the Herron. Are you planning to continue using the Cadenza Ortofon Black? I have a VTPH-2A and wouldn’t recommend going any lower in output than the 0.3mV your cart is spec’d at. Let us know how it sounds!
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bfoura OP
87 posts
 
Hey 3EP, I’m sticking with the Cadeza Black. I have the 64 gain tube set up and Keith Herron thinks that’s enough for my cart. May have to play around with load settings to find the sweet spot. It’ll arrive next week. Anxious to hear how it will sound with my system. 
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