SUT-1L Step-up Transformer
Our SUT-1L is designed for a wide range of low-impedance MC pickups with an internal resistance of up to 10 ohm. There are adapter plugs (RCA sockets on the device) for the perfect symbiosis with specific output voltages.
The SUT-1L’s design is utterly uncompromising in terms of:
Frequency ResponseThis is what the result sounds like
Our SUT-1L simply disappears. It gives free rein to the music and the characteristics of the pickup. The sound is natural, clear, tidy, direct, and supremely confident – exactly what the pickup manufacturer had in mind. The music flows, and the listener enjoys.
“The MK Analogue SUT-1L MC transformer puts on a stellar performance that instantly catapults it into the top tier of the transformer guild. Between the juicy sound of my Air Tight ATH-3, which reminds me of a glass of a great red wine, and the almost unfathomable neutrality and transparency of Consolidated Audio, it confidently finds its place.”
The ‘Perfect’ Shielding
We attach great importance to consistent shielding of the transformer, not only against electromagnetic interference, but also against resonance and direct sound. Our SUT-1L is like a pillar, providing stability to the whole chain:
- MU metal encapsulation for the actual transformer;
- A brass body lined with bitumen mats, which in turn surrounds the MU-metal capsule;
- The entire aluminium housing lined with bitumen mats;
- Connection of the base plate with an additional stainless steel plate: sandwich construction for further resonance optimisation, and
- Sorbothane feet for decoupling from the ground.
‘Direct’ Premium Wiring
‘Every solder joint is one too many’. This simple wisdom was our stipulation for the internal wiring of the SUT-1L. For the two transformer stages – 24 dB and 30 dB voltage boost – two separate inputs are used, to which the signal lines of the transformer are directly connected. There is no need for another switch.
This enabled us to reduce the number of connection points by 70 %. For the remaining wiring paths, we used specially manufactured and individually twisted strands. In this way, we again minimised the negative influences on this short, but critically sensitive, signal path. No resonance-prone circuit board was used, which drastically reduced the construction time, nor were mutually influencing signal conductors: instead, self-sufficient, individually shielded signal conductors with capacity reduced by 60 % were used.
Fully Balanced Structure
The pickup signal is inherently balanced. From a purely technical point of view, an MC pickup works like a dynamic microphone and, as such, should operate in a balanced mode. And with good reason, as a balanced signal routing is much less susceptible to interference than an unbalanced one.
Oh, One More Thing: What Is the Transformer Core Made of?
The heart of the SUT-1L is also our secret, into which we have poured our heart and soul. It is produced in Germany, let’s leave it at that. Just listen to the result!
Technical data and details, price
| Structure | fully balanced |
| Input and transformer ratios |
See our SUT-1M for 14 dB and 20 dB amplification |
| Termination impedance (47 kohm) |
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| Frequency response |
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| Signal-to-noise ratio | 115 dB (-10 dB V) |
| Distortion | K3 < 0,01 % (f = 40 Hz, – 40 dB V) |
| DC Resistance |
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| Output Impedance | 400 Ohm |
| Feet | Sorbolution (Sorbathane) |
| Connectors | Neutric |
| Dimensions | 145 × 95 × 160 mm (W × H × D) |
| Weight | 2.75 kg |
| Colours | black, silver |
| Retail price incl. VAT | 3.190 €, including 2 pairs of matching plugs for 24 dB = 100 ohm and 30 dB = 11.5 ohm |
A Non-exhaustive List of Pickups That Work Very Well with the MK Analogue SUT-1L:
- Aidas CU Series, AG-CU Series, AU-CU Series, AU-Series
- Air Tight PC 1 Coda, PC-1 Supreme, Opus-1 MC
- Dynavector Te Kaitora Rua, DRT XV-1S, DRT XV-1T
- Etsuro Urushi Cobalt Blue, Bordeaux, Gold
- Goldring Ethos
- Hana ML, Umami Red
- Ikeda 9TS, 9TT, Ikeda KAI
- Koetsu Black (Goldline), Rosewood (Standard, Signature, Signature Platinum), alle Koetsu Urushi-Modelle, Koetsu Onyx Platinum
- Lyra Deos, Kleos, Kleos SL, Etna and Atlas
- Mutech Hayabusa
- My Sonic Lab (all models)
- Ortofon Cadenza (complete series)
- Ortofon MC Windfeld Ti Heritage
- Phasemation PP-300, PP500, PP-2000
- Sky Analog G-1, G2, P-1
- SPU Classic GM MK II
- SPU #1
- SPU Synergy
- Thorens SPU
- ZYX Ultimate 4D XH SB, Ultimate Omega XH SB, Ultimate Airy XH, Ultimate 100, Ultimate Diamond, Ultimate Astra
