phono stage / step up for Koetsu carts

I started out with a Tom Evans Microgroove+ with my first Koetsu. This had an excellent tonality to it but was somewhat noisy. Probably a Groove would be way better but I have never heard one.

After trying many phono front ends--Nagra, CJ, Manley, BAT, Air Tight, Aesthetix IO and many others--I got a Wavestream Kinetics phono amp and am highly satisfied.

As you may now be noticing, a good phonoamp (or SUT) is the "hidden" cost of a Koetsu.

Smokester,

thanks for insight. I was looking at Tome Evans as well but not the microgroove, but the Groove x.
This looks like a long and interesting journey to the Koetsu world. Hope in the end its worth it.

What cartridge did you get?

Another thing: Regarding Step Up Transformers, there are opinions about this. Here is mine since I had to make the decision with my setup.

Compared to a mediocre phonoamp, a good transformer can often produce a seductive tonality--particularly a more pure midrange--on less-than-well-recorded music and they can be particularly "heavenly" with strings. However, based on listening to many, many recordings, I came to believe that SUTs achieve this heavenly sound by rolling off the highs and perhaps through other effects.

Obviously, my opinion depends on what music I like, particular recordings, the rest of my system and a limited sampling of the universe of possible options. My system is designed to reproduce symphonic works so I chose to go the active phonoamp route which is, unfortunately, ultimately more expensive.

I tried some ways, even with the Koetsu SUT. I would say, SUT is in final a top solution when it is done right but it is VERY difficult to get a top result. Simply most SUTs are mediocre and overpriced. It was frustrating to see what "Standard" is used in "High End" units.
When you want a good and fast result, how about an adjustable Transistor Phono Stage? Klyne 7 is very good, or a Pass Xono. They are not very expensive when you get them 2.hand and you enjoy your rig.

Hello,

I use a Koetsu Rosewood Signature Platinum. Syntax is correct IMO , SUTs are very expensive, the good ones. Those folks that use the middle of the road SUTs might not have highly resolving systems to notice the artifacts they impose.

Manufacturers use SUTs to avoid a lot of very difficult design decisions and complexity where active circuits could be used. Admittedly, active circuits that are capable of handling LOMCs are very complex and subject to a host of sonic and environmental woes if not executed properly.

In my experience,I never met a SUT that could outperform a properly executed active device. The problem is: you have to pay dearly for the active device. You or I could more than likely build a SUT from scratch or component parts that would work... building an active device would take quite a bit more formal and practical education that the average audiophile would have.

I've tried my hand at DIY and I've built SUTs and active devices that work. I have also experienced home brew active devices that might rival some commercial endeavours. In the end it is about how much money, time and effort your are willing to invest and what compromises you are willing to endure. Time can teach a lot as you experience both sides of the equation so that you have enough practical knowledge to sit on one side of the fence or the other.

I use a Aesthetix Io Signature with two supplies and a Klyne 7. I could live with either, the Klyne is cute.

Good Luck!