Plus purple PCBs and a black finish available.
What was the recommended internal resistance of prior models? I've not seen them commit to a set figure.
Sutherland Phono Stages
- Thread starter Arcus7
- Start date
What was the recommended internal resistance of prior models? I've not seen them commit to a set figure.
There is more to consider besides impedance. The inductance, and also the overall output of the cartridge is also a consideration. Low impedance is typically just safe, but there are other instances when even over 20 ohms works well, and other instances when low impedance has too high inductance to work well with transimpedance designs (for example, moving iron types). It is best to consult with the dealer on which cartridges will work well.
The Dos Locos, is by far, Ron's greatest achievement to date, and it is doing things I have never heard another phono stage do. It is replacing some very expensive, and also other current input based phono preamps in manufacturers and in very high end systems and the like. Truly a special product that checks all the boxes, and has me realizing new boxes to check!
I am currently using the Benz TR, Dynavector XV1S, AT33 MONO, and Mutech Hayabusa. Also heard the Trans. Proteus work a treat in another system, as well as even the Benz Lp! There are so many more that also work well.
The Dos Locos, is by far, Ron's greatest achievement to date, and it is doing things I have never heard another phono stage do. It is replacing some very expensive, and also other current input based phono preamps in manufacturers and in very high end systems and the like. Truly a special product that checks all the boxes, and has me realizing new boxes to check!
I am currently using the Benz TR, Dynavector XV1S, AT33 MONO, and Mutech Hayabusa. Also heard the Trans. Proteus work a treat in another system, as well as even the Benz Lp! There are so many more that also work well.
Super helpful thread!
Couple questions that might help step up the performance of my analog setup - consisting of a Lyra atlas into a channel d 3.3.
Hoping someone has experience with channel d and the Sutherland dos locos or the tz - any material performance differences?
And , I can’t quite figure out the differences between the Sutherland tz and dos locos, other than if the box contains the pre and power supply (dos) or the box contains the pres or power supplies (tz). Price point is about the same. What am I missing ?
Couple questions that might help step up the performance of my analog setup - consisting of a Lyra atlas into a channel d 3.3.
Hoping someone has experience with channel d and the Sutherland dos locos or the tz - any material performance differences?
And , I can’t quite figure out the differences between the Sutherland tz and dos locos, other than if the box contains the pre and power supply (dos) or the box contains the pres or power supplies (tz). Price point is about the same. What am I missing ?
Last edited:
The Duo is a dual mono voltage gain type phono preamp. 2 full chassis, each split in 2. Half is supply, other half is signal. Think a 20/20 taken to the max. Requires 2 power cables. Are you speaking of the Dos Locos perhaps? Based on what you have, and your cartridge, I have to assume this is what you are looking at to upgrade. It is the same form factor, 2 chassis split, requires 2 power cables.
Has anybody had a chance to use the “original” Phono Loco? How does it compare to the newer Sutherland trans impedance phono preamps?
It is a great sounding unit. It has its charms for sure, with a bold driven big sound. The later offerings (LL MK2, TZ Direct) are steps up in refinement, then the Dos Locos takes it to the top and competitive with the best I have ever experienced, including tube type offerings. I have not been able to replace it in my system, and frankly, I find no need to. Has been brilliant for me, in an otherwise all tube system.
I currently own a TZ Vibe that I use with a Goldring Ethos SE.
Hypothetically, if I had a chance to get a Little Loco or a Phono Loco for approximately the same price, which would you recommend?
I can't speaker for the phono loco but just made the jump from the vibe to the little loco MK2 and 100 hours later I have no regrets.
More refined, bigger sound, a grown up vibe with power brick to deal with.
LL MK2 would be the best of these. If comparing LL MK1 to Phono Loco, I may opt for the Phono Loco.
This is a great review and a great backstory.
trackingangle.com
Sutherland Dos Locos Transimpedance Phono Preamplifier
A sonic change is in the Sutherland air
trackingangle.com
What experience do members have with the DUO? For sure the online reviews are positive.......The idea of two mono boxes and elimination of crosstalk is welcomed. I use a Lyra Kleos right now on a Project Xtension 10 table. I currently have on order one of the new Project 10" tonearms. Currently my crosstalk measurements are very good at L (37dB) and R (34dB), using a DVM and the process that MFremer outlined in Stereophile.
My current phono pre is a Musical Surroundings Nova II, battery power so super black background from noise floor, I really like all the loading options of the Nova II as well.
Any feedback from DUO users would be great...thanks!
My current phono pre is a Musical Surroundings Nova II, battery power so super black background from noise floor, I really like all the loading options of the Nova II as well.
Any feedback from DUO users would be great...thanks!
The Locos sound wonderful. But they are prone to picking up RF that can turn into radio out your speakers. Try one, but be sure you have a 100% money back return option.
They also sound better when feed via a Torus. I know as I had a client that had issues with his. We tried a variety of solution including a Torus on the power line. It sounded much better with the Torus, but did not get rid of the radio interference. Then I had others calling me to fix the same issue. Which you can not fix. If it modulates RF into the signal, there is not way to filter it out. Get another phono stage. If its quiet, its a really nice phono pre.
They also sound better when feed via a Torus. I know as I had a client that had issues with his. We tried a variety of solution including a Torus on the power line. It sounded much better with the Torus, but did not get rid of the radio interference. Then I had others calling me to fix the same issue. Which you can not fix. If it modulates RF into the signal, there is not way to filter it out. Get another phono stage. If its quiet, its a really nice phono pre.
Interesting.....I wonder if that is a design/internal isolation issue with the boxes.
Probably not.
I heard or read somwhere that a fellow had RF and the ONLY device that would not pass RF was a Sutherland.
Likely coming in on the ICs from the cart I would presume.
(I wonder if a choke would be what is used?)
This is a great review and a great backstory.
Sutherland Dos Locos Transimpedance Phono Preamplifier
A sonic change is in the Sutherland air
Excellent piece and well-written, but it'd be great if they compared it against other non-transimpedance stages. Obvi the one thing that buyers would wonder about is the Sutherland's sound compared to other similarly priced options; unless it is a top contender, why then go with a niche technology that limit one's cart choices?
Transimpedance offers something quite special in transparency, absence of background, and perceived structure of the performance for me, in comparison to voltage gain preamps that I have tried. It also bridges the gap between tubes and solid state, providing the dense juicy sound, but with supreme precision. If you are willing to cater to it with the proper cartridges, there may not be a desire to play around with too many cartridges. So for those types, it is just not for them, and that is ok.
I believe resolve to be the issue with systems in general. The Dos Locos checks the sonic boxes for a phono pre, and in this regard has an always enjoyable place in any system IMO.
Last edited:
I saw posts about how the Sutherland does best with cartridges <10 ohm impedance, but as the impedance gets lower and lower does it continue to be "even better" or is there a practical asymptote? For example, is there still a big difference from 5 ohm down to 2 ohm, or <1 ohm?
Or is it more a difference of cartridge personality once it gets below 10 ohms?
Thanks.
Or is it more a difference of cartridge personality once it gets below 10 ohms?
Thanks.
Similar threads
 | Steve Williams Site Founder | Site Owner | Administrator |  | Ron Resnick Site Owner | Administrator |  | Julian (The Fixer) Website Build | Marketing Managersing |