Bottlehead Forum

Bottlehead Kits => Legacy Kit Products => Reduction => Topic started by: audiomaniac on August 20, 2018, 07:20:35 PM

Title: Using a SUT with a Reduction + Integration
Post by: audiomaniac on August 20, 2018, 07:20:35 PM

I've been enjoying my Reduction + Integration for a while now with a MM cartridge. I'm thinking about trying a low to medium output MC cartridge and was wondering if there is anything I should look out for in matching a SUT with my phono preamp. Anybody else tried this? Thanks!

Title: Re: Using a SUT with a Reduction + Integration
Post by: Adrian on August 20, 2018, 11:20:12 PM

I like my Rothwell MCL (w/ Ortofon Quintet Black through an Eros).

However, I'm sure there are others on this forum that can tell you how to build one, if that's what you're looking for.

Title: Re: Using a SUT with a Reduction + Integration
Post by: Paul Birkeland on August 21, 2018, 04:11:33 AM

Quote from: audiomaniac on August 20, 2018, 07:20:35 PM

was wondering if there is anything I should look out for in matching a SUT with my phono preamp.

The SUT needs to be matched to the cartridge and not really the phono preamp. 

Title: Re: Using a SUT with a Reduction + Integration
Post by: Doc B. on August 21, 2018, 05:39:43 AM

PB is right, and that includes making sure the nominal output of the cartridge gets stepped up to at least 3mV and preferably more like 5mV. So a .3mV LOMC needs at least 1:10 stepup ratio,  a .15mV cart would need at least a 1:20 ratio, etc.

Title: Re: Using a SUT with a Reduction + Integration
Post by: Paul Birkeland on August 21, 2018, 06:00:02 AM

Some good reading and practical examples of what goes with what can be found here:

http://www.sowter.co.uk/phono-cartridge-transformers.php (http://www.sowter.co.uk/phono-cartridge-transformers.php)

For a large majority of cartridges, the Sowter 1990 is going to be an easy choice. 

Title: Re: Using a SUT with a Reduction + Integration
Post by: audiomaniac on August 21, 2018, 07:24:50 AM

Thanks all, I appreciate the information. I have considered stepping up ;) to the Eros. I was wondering more about how the Reduction "plays" with a step up, i.e. any issues with hum or other anomalies others may have experienced. I guess it depends more on the sum of the parts.

Title: Re: Using a SUT with a Reduction + Integration
Post by: Paul Birkeland on August 21, 2018, 07:29:35 AM

Hum will depend on the SUT and what sources of magnetic radiation you have in the room.  If you currently have a 5mV cartridge and you get a 250mV MC cartridge and a 1:20 SUT, then the contribution of the Reduction to the noisefloor will be roughly identical and output voltage from the Reduction will be similar between both setups.

Title: Re: Using a SUT with a Reduction + Integration
Post by: adeep42 on August 21, 2018, 08:21:01 AM

Just a note. I use a SUT between my MC cartridge and an Eros. Works perfectly, no hum.

Title: Re: Using a SUT with a Reduction + Integration
Post by: audiomaniac on August 21, 2018, 09:28:22 AM

OK, so here's a question. I have a nice Garrott Optim FGS cartridge that I've enjoyed for years but I have the fever and want to move to a MC cartridge. Would it make more sense to build an Eros now with the ability to use my current cartidge and a HO MC cartridge down the road or invest in a SUT and a moderately priced MC cartridge now a stay with the Reduction?  ::)

Title: Re: Using a SUT with a Reduction + Integration
Post by: Paul Birkeland on August 21, 2018, 12:42:51 PM

The Eros will pair far, far better with your current cartridge than the Reduction does.  I'd run that cartridge till the cantilever falls off!

Title: Re: Using a SUT with a Reduction + Integration
Post by: audiomaniac on August 21, 2018, 01:15:33 PM

Quote from: Caucasian Blackplate on August 21, 2018, 12:42:51 PM

The Eros will pair far, far better with your current cartridge than the Reduction does.  I'd run that cartridge till the cantilever falls off!

Yeah, I know. Hard to beat that Garrott. I sure wouldn't mind building the Eros. Bottlehead kits are great!