SUT Shootout

[Massimo66]

The MSL 1030 is a 1:20 SUT. I assume a parallel resistor as MSL recommends the SUT for carts between 0,6 and 6ohm.

In Germany the Phasemation T-1000 has a similar price , the Consolidated Audio silver 1:20 as well.

I do like the little darker T-1000, some friends prefer the silver Consolidated Audio for the increased level
of details. The MSL is in regard of tonal balance between the 2 others.

All should be on offer at Ana Mighty

The MSL 1030 works very nicely with the Plat Sig. That’s what I strongly preferred over my Ypsilon SUT. Also, Sound Tradition MC 907 is a great match for that cart.

thank you both for the advice you gave me on Sunday afternoon. I'll audition with Francois. I hope I can send myself. a few photos Yes fantastic facilities featured by Ana Mighty

 

[DaveSo]

I have a AN UK S-3 Step-up. I bought it used for USD$1300. I think it sounds great but did not compare it to other SUTs. I am already down the ANUK rabbit hole with a Tonmeister Silver Phono and SpeHE speakers.

At first it was noisy as hell, but after fixing my ground issues, it's been very quiet.

 

[bonzo75]

I am using 1:10 Consolidated Audio for High Imp carts, like Soundsmith or vdh.
For low Imp carts, like MSL and derivatives I prefer Kondo SFZ.
For all others, like Koetsu, Etsuro and more I prefer T -2000.

your decision should be very much cartridge driven

Is the consolidated you have copper copper, silver silver, and what metal is the can? Nano core?

 

[AudioHR]

Hi all,

Has anyone had the opportunity to compare some top end SUT's. I am switching from MM to MC and will use an SUT into MM phono. A few that I am looking at are below but would consider others also.

- Kondo SFZ MC
- Audio Note Japan
- Audio Note UK
- Consolodated Audio

Thanks
Sean

View attachment 126023

Sean what cartridge are you planning on using? Hope I didn't miss this somewhere on the thread.

A great idea to use a SUT but your purchase should take into consideration what works best with your cartridge and even your phono section. There are some nice SUTs out there, many highly acclaimed, but will they be what you need?

 

[Bling23]

Sean what cartridge are you planning on using? Hope I didn't miss this somewhere on the thread.

A great idea to use a SUT but your purchase should take into consideration what works best with your cartridge and even your phono section. There are some nice SUTs out there, many highly acclaimed, but will they be what you need?

I went with consolidated Audio with windings matched to my cart I know a friend who had an S9 from Audio Note but sold it as preferred the Consolidated. Hopefully it will be nice , thanks

 

[bonzo75]

I went with consolidated Audio with windings matched to my cart I know a friend who had an S9 from Audio Note but sold it as preferred the Consolidated. Hopefully it will be nice , thanks

What primary secondary and metal can do you have

 

[Bling23]

What primary secondary and metal can do you have

Went with silver/silver

 

[bonzo75]

We compared silver silver in copper can, copper copper in aluminium can, vs Kondo SFz with Kuzma CAR 40 low impedance cart. Both Kevin Scott sang I preferred the first consolidated, at Kevin’s place. The SFz did a bit richer highs but was clearly heard as a component inserted in while the silver silver sounded like a component was taken out. System just disappeared more with more nuances and harmonics.

 

[Bling23]

View attachment 137771

We compared silver silver in copper can, copper copper in aluminium can, vs Kondo SFz with Kuzma CAR 40 low impedance cart. Both Kevin Scott sang I preferred the first consolidated, at Kevin’s place.

That’s good to hear , I’ve heard really great things about consolidated, I didn’t realize there’s a copper can version , very interesting

 

[bonzo75]

That’s good to hear , I’ve heard really great things about consolidated, I didn’t realize there’s a copper can version , very interesting

And yours is nano core too?

 

[SOS]

@AudioHR A great idea to use a SUT but your purchase should take into consideration what works best with your cartridge and even your phono section.

Agree with above. I've tried over a dozen different SUTs in just the last 2 - 3 yrs and some ok and others GREAT. ANJ-Kondo have been very good but Audio Note UK not anywhere the sound quality of ANJ. One of my favorites was S.A. Labs (out of Russia) had 3 different units my favorite was their K-25. Beautiful sounding. Koetsu was another recent purchase and again just wonderful. Tried a MSL SUT with my MSL Sig Platinum and while good an Airtight worked much better. Actually the Airtight is now a keeper. Has worked well with several different cartridges.
Lots of choices ....good luck in your own quest.

 

[christensenleif@msn.com]

there´s a lot of vintage transformers out there too...like the Parmeko oilfilled 1:40 I have
hard to find, but well worth the wait

 

[DasguteOhr]

there´s a lot of vintage transformers out there too...like the Parmeko oilfilled 1:40 I have
hard to find, but well worth the wait

Yes old gear

 

[miniguy]

Agree with above. I've tried over a dozen different SUTs in just the last 2 - 3 yrs and some ok and others GREAT. ANJ-Kondo have been very good but Audio Note UK not anywhere the sound quality of ANJ. One of my favorites was S.A. Labs (out of Russia) had 3 different units my favorite was their K-25. Beautiful sounding. Koetsu was another recent purchase and again just wonderful. Tried a MSL SUT with my MSL Sig Platinum and while good an Airtight worked much better. Actually the Airtight is now a keeper. Has worked well with several different cartridges.
Lots of choices ....good luck in your own quest.

Which Air Tight model?

 

[SOS]

ATH-3s http://www.airtight-anm.com/components/ath3s.html

 

[Bling23]

And yours is nano core too?

Yep Nano , really look forward to getting it it’s a big change for me from MM to MC system

 

[mtemur]

ATH-3s http://www.airtight-anm.com/components/ath3s.html

I heard this one. It’s ok.

 

[Juiced]

View attachment 137771

We compared silver silver in copper can, copper copper in aluminium can, vs Kondo SFz with Kuzma CAR 40 low impedance cart. Both Kevin Scott sang I preferred the first consolidated, at Kevin’s place. The SFz did a bit richer highs but was clearly heard as a component inserted in while the silver silver sounded like a component was taken out. System just disappeared more with more nuances and harmonics.

I've loaned a Kondo SFz from my dealer and compared to my Ear 88pb internal MC and found out it almost does nothing to a ZYX U-Ex 100 i own.

So, shoutout to the Ear MC4 sut!

From my understanding the Kondo SFz really shines with a Kondo io-xp cart combo.

 

[SOS]

Yes when I had my Kondo IOm cartridge it was best with KSL SFz SUT.

 

[wbass]

ATH-3s http://www.airtight-anm.com/components/ath3s.html

I believe the AirTight SUTs use Tamura transformers. Their amps all use them, and the impedance choices on their multi-input ATH-2A and ATH-2 Reference boxes are consistent with other SUTs that use Tamura. Which exact transformers they use from the Tam range is another question.