1. Home
  2. analog
  3. 197585-132496

So when is a SUT really needed?

Hey,

So, I been in this audiophile world for about 6 or 7 years now, at least that is when I bought a bit more serious equipment. Before that I had some stuff but wasn't that serious about it.

Still consider myself a newbie but have gained much more knowledge about this hobby compared to before.

But there is one piece of equipment that I hear about all the time but didn't really take a look at it before.

I am referring to the Step Up Transformer.

Just recently I started to read more about it and watch YT videos on it.

I also googled the purpose but it's just technical jargon and I rather get feedback from real people and users.

So, my understanding is that a SUT is used to control a MC Cart and it would work between the TT and Phono Amp connecting to the MM inputs (is that correct)?

But if you already have a Phono Preamp with MC adjustments, do you still need a SUT or is it used more in the situation where you may only have a MM preamp and want to use MC Carts?

Also, are all SUT's passive equipment, meaning they do not utilize a power plug or are there some that do?

Would there be reasons to use a SUT if you already have a good phono preamp with all the same adjustment options?

Thanks

jay73
Post removed 
faustuss's avatar
faustuss
890 posts
 

@jay73 

@viridian 

"Tube phono stages are in a constant fight with noise. Making a reasonably quiet MM tube phono stage is fairly easy, but making one with 60 db of gain is a supreme challenge. The SUT is the perfect solution. Tube folk are often averse to transistors in the signal path, so transformer into tube MM stage solves all problems."

and you have to hear one!

lewm
14,728 posts
 

It’s not that hard to design and build an acceptably quiet tube phono with 60 db of gain. But more gain beyond 60db does begin to present problems with noise that can be overcome by introducing a transistor here or there in a hybrid circuit. Also, high gain SS phono stages have noise issues; it’s just a different kind or character of noise. One subconsciously learns to prefer one circuit or one flavor of noise vs another. SUTs are not perfect or problem-free, either.

Post removed 
More to discover