SUT Info

by elliottbnewcombjr on

Description

SUT Info I have gathered.

My Fidelity Research FRT-4

https://darklanternforowen.wordpress.com/2021/01/01/fidelity-research-frt-4-mc-cartridge-transformer/
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Components Toggle details

    • Fidelity Research FRT-4 SUT
    Pass for MM, 4 optional impedance settings for MC, 3 tonearms, front selectable

Comments 5

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I do not think the SUT does anything sonically, just 'magic' passive signal boost. My FRT-4 is totally noiseless, and I use PASS to play MM Cartridges I am very familiar with goint directly to MM Phono Input in the past. If your Phono LOMC input (which is/has a SUT within prior to riaa eq) makes some noise, and your MM Phono has no noise, the FRT-4  will let you send your LOMC to your MM Phono with no added noise.

Changing to the various x-factors/resultant impedances, the volume change is instantly evident, after you adjust the volume, listening for slight variations, they are not immediately obvious.

Changing inputs, listening to different cartridges: Stereo MM/Stereo MC/Mono MM/Mono MC (mine or my friends), you can hear differences, and after you take the time to play a lot of familiar music, you more readily identify your 'preferences' (not better, just preferred).

elliottbnewcombjr

Owner
It is my one and only SUT experience, I feel lucky I chose it (based on it's optional features). Absolutely noiselessly pre-pre amp's the delicate phono signal. PASS for MM. 

Ideally, separate control of x-factor (signal boost) and loading (impedance) is desired, however I am unwilling to spend the amount of money that requires. The FR-4 has a limited set (4) of inter-related options that work well for me and many MC cartridges, but you need to learn and then do the math when pairing it with a specific MC Cartridge.

Actually, it is:

'TRY' a low signal strength cartridge (Moving Coil), and you 
'USE' a SUT to be able to do that. Passive Signal Boost: Magic?

In the beginning, when I was young, ANY and ALL MC Cartridge's made noise! NYET! It was a club for Masochists, Jag V12 Owners, JVC TT-101 and TT-801 Owners

After joining Audiogon in 2019, I decided to finally try a LOMC Cartridge. I got help, followed with research, made some new friends with MC/SUT experiences, decide to go for a long arm at the same time, that led to a larger plinth that led to multiple arms, ...... 

I am a huge advocate for two tonearms, and a SUT (or phono stage) with multiple and easily selectable inputs is a key ingredient for ease of use.

One day I might change the FRT-4's output cable to one with better connectors, and yet 5 years of happy listening ...... 

elliottbnewcombjr

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