Recommandation for 1:6 1:8 SUT under $5K?

@billstevenson 

Why do I feel Like I am having a discussion with chat GPT?

IF the GAIN is a hard fact, how can it be different, 20.68x is 20.68x is it not?

By definition, Gain is the difference between the input and output and takes into consideration the turns ratio, source and load impedances.  It is important to realize the source and load impedances are external circuit variables and not something that can be calculated.

The source Z is the cartridge internal impedance and the Load Z is typically the 47kΩ input impedance of the phono stage.  It should also be noted that that just because 47kΩ number is the accepted default for MM cartridges, it is not by any means required or mandatory for SUT usage.

dave

WHAT IF?

Something is wrong with your cartridge, and it is not too much gain you are hearing. Zenith came up in another discussion, I mentioned a stylus tip's glue becoming temporarily soft, allowing inadvertent mis-alignment, I can make up more absurd low probability, but, what if? 

That cartridge should be ok with 1:10 or even 1:13

The resultant impedance of lower turns ratios is far too high when guidance is for around 80 or a bit higher

1:8, resultant impedance is 734

1:6 ................................... 1,305

1:4 ..................................  2937

Coil Impedance: 8Ω
Output: 0.4mV
Coil Wire Material: High Purity Copper
Load Impedance: >80Ω
Frequency Response: 15-50,000Hz
Output Balance: 0.5dB/1kHz
Channel Separation: 30dB/1kHz

Although the guy in Elliot's video seemed to be a bit odd, it seemed to me he might be saying that there is an attenuator in his device that operates by the photoelectric effect, rather than by simple resistors. But still....

lewm

not seem to say, he is saying, and showing with a turn of the knob

"this is just two transistors, optically powered"

he describes "nice resistors, nice capacitors" ("new organic polymer, I don't know"), so they are involved in the audio path

he calls the dimmer/attenuator a 'regulator'

1. you turn the 'regulator' knob (not in the audio path)

2. dimmer makes LEDs emit more or less light (also not in audio path)

the wired path

3. pair of light sensitive diodes pass more or less juice via wire to:

4. pair of transistors that make more or less gain via wired input from the photo diodes

thus it is not mutually inductive like most SUTs; within his chosen range it is an infinitely adjustable valve, light controlled

from wiki

"A voltage or current applied to one pair of the transistor's terminals (input from the cartridge) controls the current through another pair of terminals. Because the controlled (output) power can be higher than the controlling (input) power, a transistor can amplify a signal."

now, what are the resistors and capacitors doing, he doesn't say, except that they are "part of the magic".

OP

turns ratio unknown, but this Audio Note SUT, AN-S4M has Silver Wire

M version is specifically made for cartridges with coil impedance of 7-9 ohms.

https://tmraudio.com/fresh-arrivals/audio-note-an-s4-m-mc-stepup-transformer/

https://www.audionote.co.uk/an-s4

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Custom Silver Transformers

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The internal transformers used in the AN-S4 are manufactured by Audio Note (UK) exclusively. Each transformer is made from 0.1mm laminated Super Mumetal 250 and wound with 99.99% pure silver wire. Each Transformer is then housed in a Mumetal screening canister to minimize noise and interference.

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Low, Low / Medium, Medium and High versions

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The AN-S4 can be supplied in the following standard versions to suit the internal impedance of your cartridge: -

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AN-S4/L  - 3 Ohm input impedance - Primarily designed for use with the Audio Note (UK) IO range

AN-S4/LM - 12 Ohm input impedance - For cartridges with an impedance of 3 to 4 Ohms

AN-S4/M - 27.5 Ohm input impedance - For cartridges with an impedance of 7 to 9 Ohms

AN-S4/H - 48 Ohm input impedance - For cartridges with an impedance of 12 to 16 Ohms