New toy - Hashimoto SUT

[Barry]

What are the two gain settings for the Hashimoto HM-X?

Given the data for the Allaerts MC1B, a x10 gain (20dB) ought to be fine.

[farflungstar]

Turns ratio 15-23db or 30-29db.

[Barry]

Turns ratio 15-23db or 30-29db.

The x15 (29dB) setting will be fine.

x30 is too high and loads the cartridge with 52 Ohm, which is far too low a value. (The Allaerts have a coil resistance of ~ 23 Ohm.)

[farflungstar]

Guess that's why it sounds more natural on the lower gain. Thanks for confirming why.

[RothwellAudio]

... but this was on the lower setting (3-7ohm cart internal) and tonight I'll try the highest setting at 12-40ohm. The allaerts is 10ohm.

According to this page http://users.telenet.be/jallaerts/welcome.htm the coil impedance is 22 ohms.

Generally speaking SUT hum is either a ground loop (which can usually be fixed by wiring changes - disconnecting the earth lead works surprisingy often) or some kind of pickup from a nearby transformer. If you pick the unit up and move it around and the hum level changes then it's the latter - there's usually a sensible place for it. Shielded leads are useful in this case.

Yes, picking up the SUT and moving it around can be very effective. It isn't just the proximity to mains transformers that is the issue, it's also the orientation towards mains transformers. Just turning a SUT through 45 degrees can reduce hum considerably.

Solved. I was using DNM Reson between SUT and Vida. Changed for Cardas golden presence - totally gone!

Screened cable is a must between a SUT and a phonostage.

Update - the allaerts prefers the low gain setting...
To be honest I suspect it is happier into the Vida @ 100ohms (100ohms is the makers recommendation) but will swap back tomorrow and compare. The Hashimto was bought for the Miyajima which will be here next week along with its older brother - and I'm confident they will be a perfect match.

The Allaerts only needs a turns ratio of about 1:10. Any more is unnecessary.
The Miyajima will need more like 1:20.

What are the two gain settings for the Hashimoto HM-X?
Given the data for the Allaerts MC1B, a x10 gain (20dB) ought to be fine.

Yes, I agree, 1:10 ought to be fine. Generally speaking, lower turns ratios give better performance than higher turns ratios, so go go for the lower one if in doubt.

Turns ratio 15-23db or 30-29db.

The lower turns ratio would definitely be my preferred option for the Allaerts.
For Miyajima my recommendation would fall between the two options you have. Best just try them both and see which you prefer.

[farflungstar]

Thanks Andrew.

[farflungstar]

I don't think it looks too bad Andrew, not that ungainly...

[struth]

Looks fine to me

[montesquieu]

I don't think it looks too bad Andrew, not that ungainly...

Surprised you don't get hum from that power amp so close to the Vida I had to move mine as far as physically possible away from any mains or output transformers.

[farflungstar]

Actually tom I do have a little hum today but not from the Vida, I just put in some Tungsol pre driver tubes (purchased from a member) and there is a very slight hum - they do however sound bloody fantastic! Last night with the old tubes and the Vida where it is there was zero hum.