Phono Stage

@smodking1 DS Audio makes only optical cartridges and their phono equalizers only support optical cartridges. Extremely cool tech, great sound. 
 

@goodlistening64 yep I’m current on phono stages. My Whest has up to 70db gain. Sutherland 20/20 Mk2 I had maxed out at 64db. Important to check loading and gain with a phono stage you buy to make sure it works with your cartridge. 
 

@signaforce I’m glad to report the Umami Blue has been improving steadily. Now at about 8-10hr of play it is filling in nicely. Stressful for the first 5hrs for sure. :)

A different path you can pursue, of course, is to go with an MM phono stage, and add a step-up transformer for LOMC; that gives you many more high gain options.  And interesting product is the Lejonklou Slipsik 8, at $1800 new, which leaves you $1200 for a SUT.

I'm by no means a vinyl expert, but I get good results from my Sutherland TZ Vibe and Hana ML cartridge.  It's a small unit.  Only works with low output moving coil.

@audphile1 I would have to really change my listening habits to get a new cart burned in. Yikes. @mdalton thanks! @sls883 Thanks!

@signaforce It’s awesome right out of the box so nothing to worry about. I’ve just been listening too closely for every little change. It sounds amazing.