Step Up Transformers are the most crucial part in a good phono chain. I experimented with many and found that Kondo, Silvercore and Consolidated Audio are a class for its own, despite good units from Japan, Greece and the Netherlands.
SUTs
Step Up Transformers are the most crucial part in a good phono chain. I experimented with many and found that Kondo, Silvercore and Consolidated Audio are a class for its own, despite good units from Japan, Greece and the Netherlands.
AudioCirc.com 
How do Kondo and Consolidated Audio compare? Are you using silver transformers in the Consolidated Audio?
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As I wrote it depends on the chain. Maybe start from the cartridge, decide whether you go via RCA or XLR (in the latter Silvercore) and which MM Phono pre you are using? Having an RCA connection you better go with the Consolidated Audio. My Kondo SUTs are the old ones, not the last model.
All SUTs I have wrote about my experiences on this blog.
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How do the Consolidated Audio compare to Kondo? Does the CA also use silvercore transformers?
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These three SUTs use all silver transformers. It depends on the chain:
Kondo ksl with Io-m (1 Ohm), Allnic 5000 (upgraded to Allnic 8000); the new Silvercore Wahnfried with Eminent BC, Lyra Olympus and Allnic Puritas with Kondo M7/ EMT 66 JPA – preamp line (1:20); Consolidated Audio with Ortofon 100, EMT 66JPA MM (1:26).
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I do not like SUTS as they are not without problems, fase, liearity etc. I find the best solution is active gain.. VdH The Grail is extremely good at a fair price.
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This is a fundamental misjudgement. Of course you need to understand the matching of SUT and cartridge coils. This is not very easy, I agree. It is not a plug and play solution (as other fixed installations do offer). But in case you are going for a real “Nirwana sound” you should start to jump over this “heavy bridge”. I guess you will come back with happy feelings 😉
Best
E.
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The Grail will automatically adabt to anu Moving coil. So no problem with loading!
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