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Choosing the right SUT for my setup


I’ve decided to add a SUT to my setup. My MC carts are a Denon 103R (14 ohms/0.25mV) and an Audio Technica AT-OC9XSL (12 ohms/.4mV). I’m trying to decide between two used SUTs: the Denon AU-300LC and the Denon AU-320, both having a 1:10 ratio. Would loading ideal gain for the 103R and the OC9 be best achieved thru a using a calculator and installing a resistor that can be switched for carts or testing with a trimpot then installing resistor? I’ve also seen writeups where the OC9 is put on a 1:12 SUT and 1:20 for the 103R; from the boards experience is that pushing overload, or its in a good spot?

jctyler
pani
1,211 posts
 

I don't know which MM phonostage is agnostic to loading. Can you name a few @dover ?

billwojo
397 posts
 

I think that most folks looking to get into an MC cart already have a MM phono stage so the only expense is the addition of a suitable SUT. An awful lot of MC carts can be handled with a 10:1 step up ratio.

Look at dover's experience with carts, he has had a lot of MC carts and they all fell into the 3 to 40 ohm range.

Something like the Denon AU-340 with Tamuri transformers has switch setting for either of those ranges. These transformers are very highly regarded and can be purchased quite reasonably from Japan.

So for the average person just wanting to upgrade into the MC league it doesn't have to be an expensive proposition if he already has a decent MM stage.

I started with my Audio Research SP8 preamp with phono and when I picked up my Denon DL-103 I started with the Denon AU-320 SUT. I was blown away with the great sound and later when I upgraded to the AU-340 SUT it got even better.

I don't have a great deal invested in my system compared to many, but it sounds very musical, more so than some expensive systems I have heard at other peoples houses or at dealers. I have yet to hear a system that I would trade for, maybe someday but for now it's a keeper.

 

BillWojo

jctyler OP
8 posts
 

Thanks for all the advice to everyone who posted. One SUT for both carts. So I've make a decision between a used Ortonfon Vero, and two DIY kits for the Cinemag 1254 and the Sowter 1480 or 9570. I've built my own preamp from plans, so I'm no stranger to DIY. The question now is who builds a qualty kit? I found this one on ebay but I question its quality. Can't find anything on the brand name 'Mazur'. Any names for a decent chassis kit would be greatly apprciated. 

 

lewm
12,429 posts
 

My advice if you want to build a SUT box is to buy the transformers from Jensen, and they’ll help you with the rest.

pindac's avatar
pindac
2,328 posts
 

I have a SUT that has been built for me using Cinemag 1254's, I also have Hashimoto SUT produced by the same person.

I most enjoy the presentation of the Cinemag, they are less rich than the Hashimoto, but it is difficult to describe the Hashimoto as rich, it the only SUT in use. For the delicacy and refined presentation, the Hashimoto nails it.

Both the above SUT's can be said to have a variance of rich hue in their presentation when compared to a Head Amp.

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