Phono Preamps with SUT

[MikeT.]

Hi everyone, I am currently using a @Redboy SUT with my Denon DL-103 and it’s just lovely, I’ve found my cartridge. The SUT does its job splendidly and I have used the phono preamp in my Yamaha AS-801 and it sounds very good. Using a Creek OB-18 the upper and mids are not very “alive”. I also have a Schiit Mani 2, which surprisingly has few capacitance settings tone used with moving magnet carts.

Question for everyone. Does adding a bit of capacitance in-line work with an SUT?

 

[FalseMetal666]

I think MC are generally considered immune to capacitance. If the top end is dull, it might be a function of resistive loading or a matter of the conical stylus doing a bit of editorializing.

 

[MikeT.]

I thought so but was curious if the use of a SUT would make a difference.

 

[FalseMetal666]

I thought so but was curious if the use of a SUT would make a difference.

May have misunderstood - are you using the Creek and Mani in their MC settings?

 

[MikeT.]

No, I’m using as a MM preamp.

 

[JohnVF]

Capacitance shouldn't really matter as others have said. Some phono stages just sound better with some carts than they do with others. Which is why... I keep about 5 of them around. I even have little notes about which carts like which phono stages, with which settings, and with the MCs, which ones like an active head amp stage and which ones prefer a SUT....on each stage. As in, for example, my Miyabi likes the head amp in my Lehmann Decade, but with my Primare R32, it's a tossup between its head amp and a Redboy SUT. My Supex likes a Denon SUT better than a head amp. What a puzzle! (I have 31 different carts at last count that I've somehow acquired over the years....)

 

[MrEd]

I think MC are generally considered immune to capacitance. If the top end is dull, it might be a function of resistive loading or a matter of the conical stylus doing a bit of editorializing.

Ageee,

 

[MikeT.]

I really do not understand the mental block I have of not springing for a really good phono preamplifier. I’ve got $4K+ loudspeakers, a $1K amp, a $1,200 analog rig (with upgrades), a fine SUT and a $149 phono preamp. Duh, that should explain most everything. Up until recently, I haven’t listened to much vinyl. Despite the phono pre limitations, it still sounds fantastic!

I suppose if this record listening trend continues I’ll have to go for a good front end.

 

[JohnVF]

A friend of mine has a Schitt Mani 2 with a Signet MR5.0 that I gave him and it actually sounds pretty good. Give it a better power supply and?

 

[MikeT.]

Thanks @JohnVF , I’ll research a better power supply.

 

[MikeT.]

Oh, the hell with incremental upgrades. I’ll start the look-around for a righteous phono preamp. I’m starting to really dig rekkids.

 

[theflattire]

Just get a Darlington Labs and call it a day.

 

[MrEd]

There some really good phono preempt out there that don't break the bank.
A couple that come to mind are the Hagermam Corner 3 and Shanon Parks Waxwing which is his new version of the Pufin

 

[airdronian]

Just get a Darlington Labs and call it a day.

Some of their newest offerings are getting really interesting, with more choices for MM loading - in addition to the standard 47K. This can offer some options with reflected load to the cartridge when using a SUT.

From what I've read there will be more products from Darlington in 2024 that include transimpedance step up/pre type devices. Looking forward to that.

 

[MikeT.]

There some really good phono preempt out there that don't break the bank.
A couple that come to mind are the Hagermam Corner 3 and Shanon Parks Waxwing which is his new version of the Pufin

Read a lot about Hagerman.

 

[theflattire]

Some of their newest offerings are getting really interesting, with more choices for MM loading - in addition to the standard 47K. This can offer some options with reflected load to the cartridge when using a SUT.

From what I've read there will be more products from Darlington in 2024 that include transimpedance step up/pre type devices. Looking forward to that.

Jim Hagerman also has a new something something called the Piccolo Zero.

Read a lot about Hagerman.

I built the Cornet 3 and I highly recommend.
Not the easiest to build, I needed two tries, but easily competes with much more expensive stages.

 

[MrEd]

I building a Cornet 2 hybrid currently.
I bought the board way back and never got to it. The hybrid uses a 6SN7 in the final output instead of the 12au7

 

[theflattire]

I building a Cornet 2 hybrid currently.
I bought the board way back and never got to it. The hybrid uses a 6SN7 in the final output instead of the 12au7

I actually like the older designs better; seems like better power supplies.
You should start a thread on the build!

 

[MrEd]

I actually like the older designs better; seems like better power supplies.
You should start a thread on the build!

I will. I have just worked through parts BOM and am about to order .
Also have decided in the chassis.. still debating color.

 

[FalseMetal666]

Upgrading phonostages has always been a good value for me. Seems a tough thing to design and even when done right, there are lots of flavors. Easy to spend someone else’s money but I say go for it.