Using a SUT with a Reduction + Integration

[audiomaniac]

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!

[Adrian]

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.

[Paul Birkeland]

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. 

[Doc B.]

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.

[Paul Birkeland]

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

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. 

[audiomaniac]

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.

[Paul Birkeland]

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.

[adeep42]

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

[audiomaniac]

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? 

[Paul Birkeland]

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!

[audiomaniac]

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!