Will Step Up Transformer Improve the Sound Quality?


I'm wondering whether a step-up transformer would improve my analog signal path.  I have a VPI Prime Signature with a Dynavector 17D3 Karat cart.  My phono stage is a Parasound JC3+.  The rest of the path is a PS Audio BHK Signature Preamp and a Pass Labs X-150.8 amp into Spatial Audio M3 Turbo S speakers and dual REL S/3 SHO subwoofers using Audience cables.  I am looking for advice as to whether adding a SUT would markedly improve the sound.  I am also looking for recommendations as to which SUT's would work well in this system.
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pg62, the JC3+ is a solid performer, you are just as likely to take a step backwards. What are you looking for in your system? Do you perceive a 
problem? There are two weaknesses in your system I would confront. If you are using VPI's unipivot arm I would consider moving over the their gimbal pivot arm. Your bass should improve. Next is Rel's crossover. The best subwoofer/system performance is always achieved with a full two way crossover rolling off the bass to the main speakers. This decreases the distortion in them by an order of magnitude and can give you an additional 6dB of head room. It is like getting an amplifier 4 times the size! Other than those two issues you have a fine system. If there is a problem it may have to do with the room.
A SUT adds an extra interconnect, and extra connections, into the most sensitive signal path in all of audio. That's not to say it can't be an improvement. Some guys swear by them. Some even go so far as to say all cartridges benefit from a step up. In general though I think unless it is a very low output cartridge then the odds are about equal to screw it up as make it better.

Your cart at 0.3mV is a little on the low side for me personally, but nowhere near to where a SUT starts to feel real necessary. 

Even if it is, consider the big picture. Spend a grand on a SUT, another $500 or so on a good interconnect, for what? To make a $1350 cartridge sound a little better? Maybe? For $60 you could buy a sheet of fO.q tape, guaranteed to make it sound better. Synergistic PHT, Townshend Pods, stuff like that costs a little more but still way less than the SUT and way more likely to make a satisfyingly big improvement. Way more. 

Look at it this way. I have never in my life messed with a SUT- and if you heard my rig your jaw would drop. So I rather doubt a SUT is the way to go.

For future reference, I find it a whole lot easier to avoid low output cartridges. Just like it makes life a whole lot easier to avoid low sensitivity speakers. Medium output cart, lots and lots of great phono stages. No problem. Down below .3mV, choices rapidly disappear, while price tags rapidly escalate. I prefer to not make things harder than they need to be.
You can buy and try a Bellari MT-502 SUT ($499) and an AQ Silver Extreme IC ($90 from HCM). I use this combination! I prefer it over a high-gain phono stage.