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Thread: SUT or Headamp

  1. 08-01-2014, 00:09 #1
    Andrei
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    I am looking to upgrade my phono stage. I had in mind things like a Whest PS.30R, Sugden Masterclass, Rogue Ares. Now however I am thinking along the lines of separates. One that comes to mind is to combine the top of the Graham Slee MM phonostages with either a headamp or an SUT. I have a few questions: Can anyone suggest an alternative to the Graham Slee Reflex M? If I go for the Slee then an obvious partner would be the Graham Slee Elevator EXP. Has anyone tried the Reflex M with a Rothwell SUT? Or simply had experience of a Rothwell SUT?

    (There was an excellent thread on SUT or Headamp a year ago and Barry made a very informative post on the relative Pros and Cons of Headamps vs SUTs.) Now I am looking at something specific.

    TIA
    [COLOR=#a52a2a][B]Sources:[/B] [B]1[/B][/COLOR] PC & Wyred4Sound DAC-2 DSDse   [COLOR=#a52a2a][B]2[/B][/COLOR] Oppo BDP105   [COLOR=#a52a2a][B]3[/B][/COLOR] Technics SL·1210 MK5 (Jelco 750D · Benz Wood).    [COLOR=#a52a2a][B]Speaker Cable[/B][/COLOR] [COLOR=black]Nordost Frey.[/COLOR]    [COLOR=#a52a2a][B]Interconnects [/B][/COLOR][COLOR=#000000]Oyaide[/COLOR][COLOR=black] & [/COLOR][COLOR=#000000]Geisha [/COLOR][COLOR=black]Silver.
    [/COLOR][B][COLOR=#a52a2a]Phono Stage [/COLOR][/B][COLOR=black]Fosgate Signature V2. [/COLOR]   [COLOR=#a52a2a][B]Preamp [/B][/COLOR][COLOR=#000000]Ayon Eris[/COLOR][COLOR=black]. [/COLOR]   [COLOR=#a52a2a][B]Power Amp[/B][/COLOR] [COLOR=Black]ATC P1. [/COLOR]  ​ [COLOR=#a52a2a][B]Speakers[/B][/COLOR] Triangle Magellan Cello.     [COLOR=#A9A9A9]Oh Sting, where is thy death?[/COLOR]
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  2. 08-01-2014, 11:37 #2
    trio leo
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    Hi Andrei,

    I haven't done a direct comparison between SUT and Head amp for many years, I suppose if well built they will both have their beneficial contributions to the performance.
    I suppose Barry's article would give a balanced view.
    I don't know the price of the Graham Slee you mentioned, but I have been amazed at the performance I get from my head amp and I think it is excellent VFM at £500.

    just my 2 penneth

    enjoy your music

    regards Al
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  3. 08-01-2014, 20:42 #3
    Andrei
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    Thanks for that Alan
    Price is important but does not really come into this equation as the various options I am considering are all within the same ball park.
    I think sense a Rothwell SUT would work well but unfortunately I cannot get to demo one where I am.
    [COLOR=#a52a2a][B]Sources:[/B] [B]1[/B][/COLOR] PC & Wyred4Sound DAC-2 DSDse   [COLOR=#a52a2a][B]2[/B][/COLOR] Oppo BDP105   [COLOR=#a52a2a][B]3[/B][/COLOR] Technics SL·1210 MK5 (Jelco 750D · Benz Wood).    [COLOR=#a52a2a][B]Speaker Cable[/B][/COLOR] [COLOR=black]Nordost Frey.[/COLOR]    [COLOR=#a52a2a][B]Interconnects [/B][/COLOR][COLOR=#000000]Oyaide[/COLOR][COLOR=black] & [/COLOR][COLOR=#000000]Geisha [/COLOR][COLOR=black]Silver.
    [/COLOR][B][COLOR=#a52a2a]Phono Stage [/COLOR][/B][COLOR=black]Fosgate Signature V2. [/COLOR]   [COLOR=#a52a2a][B]Preamp [/B][/COLOR][COLOR=#000000]Ayon Eris[/COLOR][COLOR=black]. [/COLOR]   [COLOR=#a52a2a][B]Power Amp[/B][/COLOR] [COLOR=Black]ATC P1. [/COLOR]  ​ [COLOR=#a52a2a][B]Speakers[/B][/COLOR] Triangle Magellan Cello.     [COLOR=#A9A9A9]Oh Sting, where is thy death?[/COLOR]
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  4. 08-01-2014, 20:45 #4
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  5. 08-01-2014, 21:29 #5
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    Ali Tait
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    I have Firebottle's MM/MC stage at the moment, and also had the Arkless head amp to try. I'll be putting up a proper review shortly, but short reply is that the head amp is like pressing a loudness button, or moving several rows forward at the gig. The mc direct is a more relaxed presentation by comparison. One is not necessarily better than the other, just down to personal preference. The head amp did do fantastic bass though.
    “Music has always been a matter of energy to me, a question of fuel. Sentimental people call it inspiration, but what they really mean is fuel. I have always needed fuel. I am a serious consumer. On some nights I still believe that a car with the gas needle on empty can run about fifty more miles if you have the right music very loud on the radio”

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  6. 08-01-2014, 21:31 #6
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    Ali Tait
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    BTW, the Firebottle stage has got to be the bargain of the decade, given the sound quality on offer for the price.
    “Music has always been a matter of energy to me, a question of fuel. Sentimental people call it inspiration, but what they really mean is fuel. I have always needed fuel. I am a serious consumer. On some nights I still believe that a car with the gas needle on empty can run about fifty more miles if you have the right music very loud on the radio”

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  7. 08-01-2014, 21:57 #7
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    Quote Originally Posted by Ali Tait View Post
    I have Firebottle's MM/MC stage at the moment, and also had the Arkless head amp to try. I'll be putting up a proper review shortly...
    When you're ready, dude, pop me a PM and I'll re-open this thread: http://theartofsound.net/forum/showt...906#post510906 to allow you to add your thoughts about the Arkless head amp

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  8. 08-01-2014, 21:59 #8
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    Okeydokey.
    “Music has always been a matter of energy to me, a question of fuel. Sentimental people call it inspiration, but what they really mean is fuel. I have always needed fuel. I am a serious consumer. On some nights I still believe that a car with the gas needle on empty can run about fifty more miles if you have the right music very loud on the radio”

    Hunter S Thompson
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  9. 08-01-2014, 22:48 #9
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    Quote Originally Posted by Andrei View Post
    I am looking to upgrade my phono stage. I had in mind things like a Whest PS.30R, Sugden Masterclass, Rogue Ares. Now however I am thinking along the lines of separates. One that comes to mind is to combine the top of the Graham Slee MM phonostages with either a headamp or an SUT. I have a few questions: Can anyone suggest an alternative to the Graham Slee Reflex M? If I go for the Slee then an obvious partner would be the Graham Slee Elevator EXP. Has anyone tried the Reflex M with a Rothwell SUT? Or simply had experience of a Rothwell SUT?

    (There was an excellent thread on SUT or Headamp a year ago and Barry made a very informative post on the relative Pros and Cons of Headamps vs SUTs.) Now I am looking at something specific.

    TIA
    I'm listening to a Relex M right now, being fed by a HOMC cartridge, and it's sounding phenomenal.
    Unfortunately the Reflex isn't mine, and it's on it's way back in the morning, as I've borrowed it from the Graham Slee loaner programme.
    I've been very fortunate in that my loan spell has fallen over the Christmas period, so I've really had a good chance to get to grips with its capabilities.
    I'm going to have to save up the pennies for a while, which is not ideal, but it does give me something to look forward to later on this year.

    The Reflex M has bowled me over, that's for certain, and it's gonna hurt until I can get one back in harness.

    Join the GSP Audio forum, and you'll be eligible to try their products on their Australian loan programme.
    Get to use the stuff you're asking about and make your own conclusions.
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  10. 19-01-2014, 10:11 #10
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    Frankyc2003
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    Hi Andrei.
    I used to own a rothwell MCL with lundhal txs. It wasnt very quiet in my system. And overall performance was ok. Just not 500 GPB worth of kit iMHO.
    It did hum like a bumble bee on a hot afternoon. In comparison my S&B tx1003 are dead quiet and very dynamic.
    Gordan (ANUBISGRAU) from this parish has an even better pair of S&B tx103 (or very similar) on sale. That would get quite close to owning a legendary Bent Sut.
    But again this only reflects my humble opinion...
    Francois, Bergerac, France
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