Thank you for the great feedback. I did not perceive an issue with the sound of my system. I just wanted to get this forum's opinion on whether this was a worthwhile enhancement. mijostyn thanks for the other insights on my system. I am content with the bass but what is your advice on the REL's - is it a tweak or are you saying that the crossover issue is inherent with the REL's.
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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SUTs have their own problems. They add distortions, though different from active stages. They can also pick up hum. This in addition to extra cables and connections mentioned above. They also must be matched properly to the cartridge, not only for gain but for primary impedance (load that the cartridge sees). I have a Supex cartridge and a matching sdt-722 transformer that sounded better than the active stage I had at the time, but the same transformer did not sound as good as the active stage with similarly spec'd Audioquest and Lyra cartridges. YMMV |
This MM/MC Phono seems very versatile https://www.ebay.com/itm/Pro-Ject-Tube-Box-DS-MM-MC-Tube-Phono-Preamplifier-Black/224349939634 think of it as an internal variable SUT |
@millercarbon 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. it was great to listen with you Friday night, enjoyed meeting your wife. just FYI, everything you heard was through my pair of EMIA silver 1:10 SUT’s. http://myemia.com/SUT.html i really like the performance; i believe it equals or surpasses most any active phono preamps unless you get north of $50k. my viewpoint is that i’m able to add 2 more top level phono channels by adding 2 reasonably priced SUT’s (list price $4250 each for silver wound, copper wound $2750) to my CS Port phono which while not cheap, plays way above it’s $17k list price. since the CS Port has 2 MM inputs in addition to it’s single MC input. and the only extra cable i need is two simple 18" sets of RCA’s. they were a few hundred dollars each. my viewpoint is no way could i get this level of performance for the $$$ from three inputs without using SUT’s, and i think that scales to lower price points too if you are careful and buy smart. and if SUT’s make your eyes roll back in your head because the math and the science is beyond you on how to choose an SUT, i’m with you. Dave Slagle of EMIA held my hand, sent me a set of SUT’s to try, and helped me figure out exactly what SUT’s i needed. so not understanding SUT’s does not need to be a problem. i still don't know crap about SUT's but i enjoy their goodness every day. |
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