Judging by the image of the inside and the specs, my guess is the Lundahl LL1678 is used here. According to the latest pricelist of the dutch distributor those are priced at ca. € 90 a piece (incl. VAT). Lets say some nice RCA connectors, a toggle switch, a small casing and a little bit of cotton will set you back another € 150, you can make this SUT yourself for less than € 350 ...
No it is the LL9226. Yes you can buíld one cheaper (but not as nice, i have build with the XL) if you can, however it is still cheap compared with Ortofon and other high end manufacturers using Lundahl transformers.
“Did I do it on this channel?” 😂 Well, we’re sure you’re being honest in your reviews, if ya left that in. Love it! Seriously though, thanks for yet another great review and comparison, Paul. Good idea using a noisy recording. Lundhal makes some fantastic transformers, as I heard in a 300B Elekit amp kit.
thanks for this review did you also try the AFE-12 with a phono pre-amp instead of the direct connection on the MM RCA of the amplifier? I wondering how would this set-up would also magnify the sound with a combo like AFE-12+good pre-phono
Would like to have heard more about the cartridge or cartridges tried here but also how the inboard MM phono in the amp compares with using the Dino as an external MM stage. Aurorasound have some experience in making standalone phono stages so the inbuilt stage ought to be pretty good.
I used a high-end cart valued a several thousand pounds (a prototype, Japanese made), my intention was to remove the cart as a variable so there was no risk in it colouring the sound and confusing the final conclusion with umpteen cart types and caveats. I wanted to focus on the phono amp hardware only to simplify the test. My comments on the amp's MM phono amp can be found in the review for that amp, published a couple of week's back. I prefer external phono amps, frankly but, for an internal model, the Aurorasound provides a quality component here and stands as one of the best internals I've yet heard at the price.
I've a pair of Lundahl LL1941 SUTs within Giron magnetically shielded casework. Across the output RCAs are 110K ohm resistors to tune it for an Ortofon MC-20.
Hi Paul, great review, it raised a thought for me though, what would a duel be like using the SUT with a Graham Slee Accession mm with the Enigma power supply against the Accession mc with Enigma, how close might they be and might it be worth just having the Accession mm + SUT? well that's where my mind went anyway, I already have both types, but knowing the difference would be interesting to me anyway.
I am talking to GS about a SUT and hope to compare it to the AFE-12. Timing is an issue though. I'm not sure if I'll be allowed to hang on to the AFE-12 for long. We'll see.
Can someone confirm that this product will support without question the Denon DL103? I want to continue utilize the phono circuit in my PrimaLuna EVO integrated. Thanks so much and enjoy the content.
Hi Paul. Curious about using the AFE-12 step-up with the Dino, configured as a MM phono amp. Set the Dino's DIP switches to MM loading. Then plug the Dino's output into the amp's line level. Even more isolation of components this way. More cabling required though. I am guessing this is the better configuration ?
Worth a try - I didn't do this myself because the video was already nudging 20 minutes and I wanted to keep a possibly complicated subject as simple as possible. Worth a look though, yes.
Any chance of new Project tube phono DS3 ( using balanced input v RCA ) please :-) similar priced but different approach and how does valves compare sound
Oddly enough, I have the chance to grab a Nakmichi MCB 100 passive step up transformer for a good price this week, but couldn't find much information about this particular model online. Does anyone here heard this little guy? Any thoughts would be appreciated 😅
Hi Paul! Still mourning the loss of Hi-Fi World, you, and its great staff of writers. My favorite journal even considering I live in Detroit. Nonetheless, would you ever have the chance to compare the AFE-12 SUT to the Rothwell MCL SUT? They seem highly comparable in price, construction (both use Lundahl transformers) and country of origin, though the Aurourasound has variable loading, meaning a different Lundahl, and a switch. Best wishes!
Very kind of you to say and yes, a sad loss. And surprising that you managed to grab it over there in Detroit. How is Detroit these days? I hear a lot about the city over here and not a lot of it is good although I do hear about residents starting a host of worthy initiatives to kickstart the place which is great to see. I have a soft spot for Detroit because of its music history.
That was a great review. What if you don't have an mm input on your amplifier. Where does it plug in please? And did I hear correctly. It replaces the phono stage?. It's not in addition to. Thank you.
If you don't have a MM input on your amplifier then I would guess that there is no phono amplifier in your amplifier then an external phono amplifier is the way to go. Alternatively, you could buy an external moving magnet amplifier only and then plug this unit into that. And thank you.
@@TheAudiophileMan thank you very much. Yes, I currently use an external phono pre amp, but I am not happy with it, so looking to upgrade. Keep up the good work.
My thinking also is solid state MC amplification is going to have a harder job at keeping the signal to noise ratio down due to any quiescent noise naturally generated by the semiconductor components at the front end-having to amplify such a small signal-whereas a passive transformer doesn’t inherently generate any electrical noise unless from some other source. I seem to recall a review somewhere of a tube MC amp and of course criticised for the inherent thermionic noise generated, being at the front of the amplification chain. I’ve still got some old tiny Ortofon T5 SUTs which I bought off a friend many moons ago. I seem to remember they got good reviews. I nearly bought a MC cartridge recently but went for a Naggy MM instead after good reviews. Can’t say I’m disappointed but still wonder if…….?
@@Madmart54 that's the wonderful thing about the love of hifi. It's a journey. Try and try again. I am not happy with my set up, but it's an expensive hobby. Don't think I will be happy until I sell my shoes, all the copper in my heating system my false teeth.
If you need to contact the UK distributor, here's a number for you: 07551955775
Judging by the image of the inside and the specs, my guess is the Lundahl LL1678 is used here. According to the latest pricelist of the dutch distributor those are priced at ca. € 90 a piece (incl. VAT). Lets say some nice RCA connectors, a toggle switch, a small casing and a little bit of cotton will set you back another € 150, you can make this SUT yourself for less than € 350 ...
No it is the LL9226. Yes you can buíld one cheaper (but not as nice, i have build with the XL) if you can, however it is still cheap compared with Ortofon and other high end manufacturers using Lundahl transformers.
This has been on my radar for a few months -- never thought anyone would review it so thank you!
“Did I do it on this channel?” 😂 Well, we’re sure you’re being honest in your reviews, if ya left that in. Love it! Seriously though, thanks for yet another great review and comparison, Paul. Good idea using a noisy recording. Lundhal makes some fantastic transformers, as I heard in a 300B Elekit amp kit.
thanks for this review
did you also try the AFE-12 with a phono pre-amp instead of the direct connection on the MM RCA of the amplifier?
I wondering how would this set-up would also magnify the sound with a combo like AFE-12+good pre-phono
Would like to have heard more about the cartridge or cartridges tried here but also how the inboard MM phono in the amp compares with using the Dino as an external MM stage. Aurorasound have some experience in making standalone phono stages so the inbuilt stage ought to be pretty good.
I used a high-end cart valued a several thousand pounds (a prototype, Japanese made), my intention was to remove the cart as a variable so there was no risk in it colouring the sound and confusing the final conclusion with umpteen cart types and caveats. I wanted to focus on the phono amp hardware only to simplify the test. My comments on the amp's MM phono amp can be found in the review for that amp, published a couple of week's back. I prefer external phono amps, frankly but, for an internal model, the Aurorasound provides a quality component here and stands as one of the best internals I've yet heard at the price.
I've a pair of Lundahl LL1941 SUTs within Giron magnetically shielded casework. Across the output RCAs are 110K ohm resistors to tune it for an Ortofon MC-20.
Hi Paul, great review, it raised a thought for me though, what would a duel be like using the SUT with a Graham Slee Accession mm with the Enigma power supply against the Accession mc with Enigma, how close might they be and might it be worth just having the Accession mm + SUT? well that's where my mind went anyway, I already have both types, but knowing the difference would be interesting to me anyway.
I am talking to GS about a SUT and hope to compare it to the AFE-12. Timing is an issue though. I'm not sure if I'll be allowed to hang on to the AFE-12 for long. We'll see.
Can someone confirm that this product will support without question the Denon DL103? I want to continue utilize the phono circuit in my PrimaLuna EVO integrated. Thanks so much and enjoy the content.
fun fact about transformer audio they sound really good in a distortion harmonics way aka a very warm sound
Hi Paul. Curious about using the AFE-12 step-up with the Dino, configured as a MM phono amp. Set the Dino's DIP switches to MM loading. Then plug the Dino's output into the amp's line level. Even more isolation of components this way. More cabling required though. I am guessing this is the better configuration ?
Worth a try - I didn't do this myself because the video was already nudging 20 minutes and I wanted to keep a possibly complicated subject as simple as possible. Worth a look though, yes.
Any chance of new Project tube phono DS3 ( using balanced input v RCA ) please :-) similar priced but different approach and how does valves compare sound
Does this use a Technics style plug in ground cable?
Oddly enough, I have the chance to grab a Nakmichi MCB 100 passive step up transformer for a good price this week, but couldn't find much information about this particular model online. Does anyone here heard this little guy? Any thoughts would be appreciated 😅
Hi Paul! Still mourning the loss of Hi-Fi World, you, and its great staff of writers. My favorite journal even considering I live in Detroit. Nonetheless, would you ever have the chance to compare the AFE-12 SUT to the Rothwell MCL SUT? They seem highly comparable in price, construction (both use Lundahl transformers) and country of origin, though the Aurourasound has variable loading, meaning a different Lundahl, and a switch. Best wishes!
Very kind of you to say and yes, a sad loss. And surprising that you managed to grab it over there in Detroit. How is Detroit these days? I hear a lot about the city over here and not a lot of it is good although I do hear about residents starting a host of worthy initiatives to kickstart the place which is great to see. I have a soft spot for Detroit because of its music history.
@@TheAudiophileMan Detroit Rock City!
That was a great review. What if you don't have an mm input on your amplifier. Where does it plug in please? And did I hear correctly. It replaces the phono stage?. It's not in addition to. Thank you.
If you don't have a MM input on your amplifier then I would guess that there is no phono amplifier in your amplifier then an external phono amplifier is the way to go. Alternatively, you could buy an external moving magnet amplifier only and then plug this unit into that. And thank you.
@@TheAudiophileMan thank you very much. Yes, I currently use an external phono pre amp, but I am not happy with it, so looking to upgrade. Keep up the good work.
My thinking also is solid state MC amplification is going to have a harder job at keeping the signal to noise ratio down due to any quiescent noise naturally generated by the semiconductor components at the front end-having to amplify such a small signal-whereas a passive transformer doesn’t inherently generate any electrical noise unless from some other source. I seem to recall a review somewhere of a tube MC amp and of course criticised for the inherent thermionic noise generated, being at the front of the amplification chain. I’ve still got some old tiny Ortofon T5 SUTs which I bought off a friend many moons ago. I seem to remember they got good reviews. I nearly bought a MC cartridge recently but went for a Naggy MM instead after good reviews. Can’t say I’m disappointed but still wonder if…….?
@@Madmart54 that's the wonderful thing about the love of hifi. It's a journey. Try and try again. I am not happy with my set up, but it's an expensive hobby. Don't think I will be happy until I sell my shoes, all the copper in my heating system my false teeth.