[simoon]

So, I am almost finished with my DIY Tubenirvana preamp, with phono stage, which only has enough gain for MM cartridges. But I only own LOMC cartridges.

So, I obviously need some sort of step up.

What is the consensus as to which is better, a SUT or an active device? My current preamp, a vintage Luxman with a really nice phono section, has the versatility for all cartridges, so I have not had to think about this for a while.

I've owned both in the past.

[neobop]

Hi,
One SUT might not be suitable for all your LOMCs.  Depending on cart output voltage and resistance, one size does not fit all. 

You might want to consider something like this:
http://www.rothwellaudioproducts.co.uk/html/headspace_mc_headamp.html

neo

[linnlingo]

I would look at the Parks Audio Cinemag 1254 SUT. It has 2 settings 1:20 for MC carts .25mv or more such as the Denon DL-103 and a 1:40 setting for MC carts lower than .25mv. If you E-Mail Parks Audio and give them info on the make of your cart they will give you the best loading options. I have a 1254 in my phono stage and the vinyl is dead quiet. Rogue Audio also uses a Cinemag SUT in their $2000 Ares phono preamp.

[stonedeaf]

Much as I like them ( I own four -working on a fifth).  Couldn't agree more  - there really is no universal SUT -what LOMC do you use ?

[linnlingo]

I use a Dynavector 20xl2. I've also heard it w/a Dynavector XX2. Excellent results w/both.

[Russtafarian]

Hafler and Dynaco are being resurrected by Radial, a pro sound company.  Radial also owns Jensen transformers. 

So check this out:  Hafler selling Jensen SUTs in a box:  http://hafler.com/ph34ph44.php

Russ

[linnlingo]

The new Bryston SUT uses Jensen Transformers. I would also check out Dave Slagle at Intact audio and the Hashimoto Sut the HM-3. 

[andyr]

So, I am almost finished with my DIY Tubenirvana preamp, with phono stage, which only has enough gain for MM cartridges. But I only own LOMC cartridges.

So, I obviously need some sort of step up.

What is the consensus as to which is better, a SUT or an active device? My current preamp, a vintage Luxman with a really nice phono section, has the versatility for all cartridges, so I have not had to think about this for a while.

I've owned both in the past.

As respondents have noted, the initial problem with a SUT is that "one size does not fit all"!

However, the main problem with using SUTs, IMO ... is a totally different one!
     This is ... that you are extremely unlikely to achieve optimal cart loading when you use a SUT with an MM phono stage.  The reason:

*  if the input load on the MM phono stage is 47K (the usual number) then the load "seen" by the cartridge is 470 ohms (with a 10:1 SUT) or 118 ohms (with a 20:1 SUT)

*  so if your LOMC cart prefers 1 - 5K loading ... you are not getting the best out of it.   

Hence the best way of using a LOMC with an MM phono stage is via an active 'headamp', IMO.  If the headamp is built right (with a pair of parallel input RCAs for R-loaded plugs), you can achieve an almost infinite range of R-loading values, so you can certainly get the value which your cart sounds best at.  And if it offers some gain-adjustment as well ...!!


Andy