MarSanZ
Simple Pleasures...
I finally decided to try out a SUT with my Dynavector XX2 MKII cartridge, I kinda felt like something was missing, but couldn't put my finger on it. With the Dyna's low output of .28mV, some felt that the 60dB gain in my MC phonostage would be enough:yes: and some felt it may not be enough
to really bring out the best dynamics in this cartridge.
Below are the following two settings for the Cinemag SUT:
1:30 (30dB) loaded at 52 ohms
1:24 (24dB) loaded at 52 ohms
The 1:30 step up setting gave me a 30dB gain boost into the MM stage with a final gain of 70dB.
The results using the Cinemag SUT:
First off, this SUT is dead quiet, no hum whatsoever, it added no sonic signature to my system.
I immediately noticed that the music had a sense of ease and flow, it was more than just the volume being louder due to the increased gain. There was more weight to the music, more air and separation between instruments, the soundstage widened and had more depth, instruments were more focused with an absolute sense of placement, there was nothing linear about the presentation. The system just seemed to BLOOM with the SUT in it. It wasn't bad without the SUT, but after hearing it in my system, it made a magical difference.
Clarity improved, imaging was pinpoint, midrange and the center stage moved slightly forward, the low end had more depth and texture (this was really nice). The piano is in the room with you, piano keys have incredible reverb and decay, the fluctuations for woodwinds and brass seem unreal, micro details are fabulous, I have never heard so many singers take so many breaths, you hear the faintest sounds as if they happened right next to your ears. I constantly find myself shaking my head in disbelief.
The one thing I love about the Harbeth Super HL5s is the killer timbre and the realism of the instruments and the Cinemag SUT brought out the best in them. One more thing, the background is absolutely black! Music emanates out of total obscurity, I never thought it could be this damn good:yes:.
A wise man once told me, you will know when your system has arrived. I now know what that means.
m
to really bring out the best dynamics in this cartridge. Below are the following two settings for the Cinemag SUT:
1:30 (30dB) loaded at 52 ohms
1:24 (24dB) loaded at 52 ohms
The 1:30 step up setting gave me a 30dB gain boost into the MM stage with a final gain of 70dB.
The results using the Cinemag SUT:
First off, this SUT is dead quiet, no hum whatsoever, it added no sonic signature to my system.
I immediately noticed that the music had a sense of ease and flow, it was more than just the volume being louder due to the increased gain. There was more weight to the music, more air and separation between instruments, the soundstage widened and had more depth, instruments were more focused with an absolute sense of placement, there was nothing linear about the presentation. The system just seemed to BLOOM with the SUT in it. It wasn't bad without the SUT, but after hearing it in my system, it made a magical difference.
Clarity improved, imaging was pinpoint, midrange and the center stage moved slightly forward, the low end had more depth and texture (this was really nice). The piano is in the room with you, piano keys have incredible reverb and decay, the fluctuations for woodwinds and brass seem unreal, micro details are fabulous, I have never heard so many singers take so many breaths, you hear the faintest sounds as if they happened right next to your ears. I constantly find myself shaking my head in disbelief.
The one thing I love about the Harbeth Super HL5s is the killer timbre and the realism of the instruments and the Cinemag SUT brought out the best in them. One more thing, the background is absolutely black! Music emanates out of total obscurity, I never thought it could be this damn good:yes:.
A wise man once told me, you will know when your system has arrived. I now know what that means.
m
