If you think that one is really good, you should hear the ATH-2 Ref
not correct regarding the ATH-2 models. They use Hashimoto transformers.
The Kondo SFz performs well with other cartridges too, but the setup in the picture you shared is incorrect—it should be used in balanced mode. More importantly, the SFz (especially the new model) is designed for top-tier cartridges with very low impedances, which, unfortunately, the ZYX U 100 is not a very good cartridge. I know this from experience, having owned and used the ZYX U 100 with the previous SFz model. Of course, I’ve also heard the ZYX U 100 with other phono stages.
I’ve listened to many cartridges with the SFz, and I can confidently say that the cartridge is the limiting factor here. The older version of the SFz is more versatile, offering 1 ohm, 3 ohm, and 40 ohm taps.
One more important point: expensive audio gear is often “cursed” to sound worse when loaned for comparison, especially when you’re comparing it to your own gear that you paid for.
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1ohm is good for cartridges approximately between 0.6-2ohms. Other components like tonearm, turntable, phono etc should be equally good in order to get full benefit of a good SUT. But you already knew that.
Something similar happened hear. I recently compared my Ear 868PL 868PL internal MC with Emia cooper (1:10) and the Ear performed better in every aspect. I can also say the same about my EAR MC4, obviously. Tim de Paravicini still rules!
** Cartridges used: My Sonic Lan Signature Platinum and Accuphase AC-6
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Interesting. In my system the weak point was the SUTs in the EAR 868pl. No contest, the Allnic AUT-2000 was the clear winner. The MM section of the EAR is very good, but the MC section, at least to my ears, is not the same calibre. I still have the EAR though and I'll revisit. I wonder if your cartridge just isn't a good match for the EMIA?
Comparing internal SUTs with outboard SUTs is complicated by the connecting cables required with the outboard unit. Cables on a SUT (and connectors) play a big role in the sound of a stepup.
I would second the recommendation not to overlook top quality vintage SUTs. I am now using Audio Innovations T2 transformers which I mounted in an Audio Innovations S1000 chassis. I removed the switches and hard-wired the transformers in the 1:25 mode. I also replaced the cheap RCA jacks with Audio Note jacks, but I kept the Kondo silver wires. Audio Innovations was the UK company where Peter Quortrup worked before starting Audio Note UK.
I prefer the sound of the T2 transformers to my copper Slagle/EMIA stepups.
I would second the recommendation not to overlook top quality vintage SUTs. I am now using Audio Innovations T2 transformers which I mounted in an Audio Innovations S1000 chassis. I removed the switches and hard-wired the transformers in the 1:25 mode. I also replaced the cheap RCA jacks with Audio Note jacks, but I kept the Kondo silver wires. Audio Innovations was the UK company where Peter Quortrup worked before starting Audio Note UK.
I prefer the sound of the T2 transformers to my copper Slagle/EMIA stepups.
Don't forget, if your tonearm has a continuous cable to the sut, the cable can have a higher resistance than the coil of the kondo cartridge. Therefore, I would make it dependent on the gain of the phono amp whether 1 ohm(36db) or 3 ohm (30db) tap is better.
Here i f you want a tango mct 999 sut good build with cmc copper rcas
READY TO USE FINISHED TANGO LEGENDARY STEP UP TRANSFORMER SUT MCT-999 MCT999 | eBay
I have it finished so you can use it as soon as you receive it. The operation of the product is perfect. no top badge, bottom plate.
www.ebay.de
That never happens if you’re not using a corroded lamp cord as tonearm cable. Audio cables, including the low quality ones don’t have a significant resistance to take into account even with very low, 1ohm cartridge. Resistance is not an issue with cables but capacitance is.
Don't forget, if your tonearm has a continuous cable to the sut, the cable can have a higher resistance than the coil of the kondo cartridge. Therefore, I would make it dependent on the gain of the phono amp whether 1 ohm(36db) or 3 ohm (30db) tap is better.
Here i f you want a tango mct 999 sut good build with cmc copper rcas
READY TO USE FINISHED TANGO LEGENDARY STEP UP TRANSFORMER SUT MCT-999 MCT999 | eBay
I have it finished so you can use it as soon as you receive it. The operation of the product is perfect. no top badge, bottom plate.www.ebay.de
I have the tango MCT 999 SUT with WE cabling in a case built by Yamamura. I got it for 2k GBP will sell for the same in case anyone is interested. Will have to find it first.
If you mean that, measure from the cartridge clip to the RCA sut) when you have continuous cabling with thin cables. 0.6-1.5 ohms is not uncommon. That makes a difference to the sound of a 1ohm tap. You can believe me or not.
I also got some separate Denon transformers that came from AU340
reinstalled in Hammond chassis with Seiden selector and gain switches and top quality pure silver/silk and RCAs....very smooth ....
The performance of a SUT depends on the cartridge resistance to the input and load resistance on the output.
It not kept within the optimal range the result of cartridge +SUT performance will suffer, this should not be ignored if you want optimal performance.
The range for suitable cartridge resistance given for a specific SUT is often to optimistic, in order not to loose sales I guess.
Post in thread 'SUT for Ortofon Verismo?'
https://www.whatsbestforum.com/threads/sut-for-ortofon-verismo.39328/post-998857
It not kept within the optimal range the result of cartridge +SUT performance will suffer, this should not be ignored if you want optimal performance.
The range for suitable cartridge resistance given for a specific SUT is often to optimistic, in order not to loose sales I guess.
Post in thread 'SUT for Ortofon Verismo?'
https://www.whatsbestforum.com/threads/sut-for-ortofon-verismo.39328/post-998857
Change in sound character. My various SUT cables are all shielded and seem equally quiet.
Interesting comment. I made a comparison between Kondo SFz and Misho WoodenSUT (with the DaVa Reference cartridge) two times, and had a very similar if not the same feeling. Yes, Kondo was a bit more open on top and had somewhat stronger bass, a bit more detail overall but compared to the WoodenSUT, I always had a stronger feeling of reproduction, WoodenSUT sounded more like live music.
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