Sutherland Phono Stages

[Porsche]

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.

I would call Ron, he's a super nice guy and he of course can answer these question, all I can tell you us I used the big loco with the Lyra kleos and atlas and also with the opus 1 with killer results

 

[Bonesy Jonesy]

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.

Same sound experience and results for me with my CH P1 (with X1) and my MSL Eminent Ex cartridge.

 

[Bonesy Jonesy]

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.

Basic electrical theory (i.e. Ohms Law etc.) tells you that the lower the internal impedance of the cartridge the higher it's current output into the transimpedance input of the phono stage.
How far that basic electrical theory goes to say differences in cartridges with ultra low internal impedance (i.e. 1.0 Ohms and less) in practical and more important musical & sound terms may be a different matter!
It's certainly worth pursuing (if you have the equipment, time and finances etc.) to find out if you own / can use a high quality transimpedance input phono stage with a multitude of ultra low internal impedance quality cartridges !
Just don't forget to make sure you use the same tonearm and TT set-up for all cartridges and that the cartridge is set up correctly and accurately with the tonearm and TT etc. !

 

[Young Skywalker]

Does anyone know the quoted output impedance of the Sutherland TZ Direct? I ask because I am interested in its ability to drive the constant impedance passive attenuator/volume control of my MSB Technology Reference DAC.

Is there a way to calculate the voltage output of a trans-impedance phono preamp? This is another consideration when no additional active preamp is used. In other words, how does one gain match a system built around a trans-impedance phono preamp?

 

[audio.bill]

Does anyone know the quoted output impedance of the Sutherland TZ Direct? I ask because I am interested in its ability to drive the constant impedance passive attenuator/volume control of my MSB Technology Reference DAC.

Is there a way to calculate the voltage output of a trans-impedance phono preamp? This is another consideration when no additional active preamp is used. In other words, how does one gain match a system built around a trans-impedance phono preamp?

I'd suggest contacting Ron Sutherland directly to have your questions best addressed.
From their website: Feel free to contact us directly at info@sutherlandengineering.com .

 

[rau]

Does anyone know the quoted output impedance of the Sutherland TZ Direct? I ask because I am interested in its ability to drive the constant impedance passive attenuator/volume control of my MSB Technology Reference DAC.

Is there a way to calculate the voltage output of a trans-impedance phono preamp? This is another consideration when no additional active preamp is used. In other words, how does one gain match a system built around a trans-impedance phono preamp?

Contact paul79 he would also answer your questions and is very knowledgeable

 

[paul79]

Does anyone know the quoted output impedance of the Sutherland TZ Direct? I ask because I am interested in its ability to drive the constant impedance passive attenuator/volume control of my MSB Technology Reference DAC.

Is there a way to calculate the voltage output of a trans-impedance phono preamp? This is another consideration when no additional active preamp is used. In other words, how does one gain match a system built around a trans-impedance phono preamp?

I think it is around 250 ohms or so. Should drive anything just fine, even a passive VC. There is not much to worry about gain matching with any of Ron's designs.

 

[M2M]

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.

Can someone please confirm if Little Loco MK2 can pick up RFI noise, or is this issue only with older MK1?
Many Thanks

 

[keithc]

Can someone please confirm if Little Loco MK2 can pick up RFI noise, or is this issue only with older MK1?
Many Thanks

My LLmk2 was completely silent through my Shunyata Denali. Like black-hole black background. Like before Genesis 1 black. Even when the amplification was turned way up.

 

[M2M]

I think Kingrex is referring to the old MK1, not MK2.

 

[sebrof]

Can someone please confirm if Little Loco MK2 can pick up RFI noise, or is this issue only with older MK1?
Many Thanks

I use the Little Loco MKII with an AT ART-9, a My Sonic Labs Eminent Ex and a Soundsmith Sussurro Low Z and have never had any issues with noise of any kind. Very happy with the sound from each. FWIW I was on the phone with Ron Sutherland discussing which of his preamps would be best and when I told him I had the ART-9 (14 ohms) he immediately recommended the Little Loco.
As others have mentioned, if you have questions contact Ron, very approachable and willing to discuss your specific situation

 

[M2M]

Any users have tried both 20/20 MK2 and Little Loco MK2. What do you find the differences: strengths and weaknesses, ..., etc. And which one sounds better?

Also, does anyone know if Little Loco applies conversion from voltage to current, or not!
Would be really appreciated! Thanks!