I have an experience of listening to a minimum of approx' 10 SUT's in my own system and have been demonstrated somewhere near this quantity again in other systems.
Along with the above, I have listened to, in my own system, a Head Amp, Amps with a built in MC Stage, as both Valve Hybrid and SS.
It is the extended usage in the home system of configurations for devices, that really helps with understanding the impact of a device and enable a reasonable evaluation on the influence during comparisons.
My most recent experiences of encountering New Devices that have left a very good impression are only a few months past.
Outside of my system, I have listened to too many to count Phonostage configurations, using Phono Pre- Amp > SUT or Head Amp, Valve Hybrid MC and SS with the most expensive dedicated design having a £10K price.
I have spent numerous years learning about how the designs and configurations for a Dedicated Phono Amplification can impact on the presentation on offer from a Vinyl LP Source.
I am not prejudiced; I have heard very good performances from a SUT in use, or a Head Amp in use. A SUT does inject a Colour to the presentation, but there are SUT's that in comparison to another could be described as having a Transparency.
Put a perceived as Transparent SUT in use alongside a Head Amp as a comparison demonstration and the SUT will quite quickly have a detectable colour in the presentation.
I see the SUT > Head Amp in use, as real bonus to the user who does not prejudice against the devices, as there is a huge scope to fine tune a system to one's unique preference, the cut off point for detectable colouration is the end users choice. This is achievable, in all Phono Amp Designs, Valve Input/Output, Valve Hybrid and Solid State.
I have pursued the perception of Transparency for a long time, and as a result, have found it difficult to accept an undeniably transparent presentation as attractive. With this in mind, my investigations have shown it is hard to discover SS designs that really appeal, (there are a few that I have appraised with a positive evaluation, as a Brand Soulution is presenting in a way that is very agreeable.)
As a means to achieve the perception that a presentation is attractive, for my own preference, a little detectable colouration is welcome, even though easily able to be overlooked, is the presentation that is very attractive for me. As always each to their own, based on the influences made as a result of their own experiences.
Most recently I was demonstrated SUT's with a design that uses a material referred to as a Nano Crystaline Core. Two different ratios were in use and a Copper and Silver Wire was in use as well. I was shocked (definitely not expecting ) how the devices were able to impress, these are top of the list for a home demonstration, alongside a Solid-State Phon' I have been impressed with, when my system is once more assembled.
At the same demonstration one of the SUT's with a Ratio to perfectly match the Cart' in use was to be used in conjunction with a Brand-New SS Phonostage with a value of £4000, that was a loaned device being demonstrated. The SS Phon's MC Stage was attractive for a New Device, with an allowance being given for further settlement through usage, there was without doubt, potential projected for the device.
With the SUT being used in place of the SS Phon's MC Stage, the impression made was notable, it was a much improved presentation, and all attendees listening were in agreement, even the SS Phon's owner.
The most difficult Phon' design, I have struggled to reconcile with is a common design, from an affordable range, from both Brands and a DIY approach, where using a circuit that is Valve Hybrid with a JFET for the MC Stage, usually if bought through a Brand comes with a pricing from £1500 - £3000. There seems through the consistency of the Sonic I am able to detect, to be an indicator typical parts are used for the circuit. In my evaluation there has been seemingly identical presentations, and not the most attractive of ones heard, that appeal to my preferences.
My experiences pretty much break down into the evaluation, that there are options on the configurations to produce a Phonostage. A Phonostage does not necessarily need to be a one box affair only, using off board ancillaries are totally worthwhile trying out.
An end user can be quite creative in how they are able to produce a presentation that has a very positive impression on them.
Add to the permutations, the trying out of different umbilical's and with Valve Designs the option to try out alternative Valves and the opportunities for creativity really 'gets it freak on'.
Why limit oneself, when numerous options are available without the need to be adorned with any great skills to put them in place.
