To get an SUT to sound amazing it will probably take a genius like Dave Slagle using quality iron and amazingly pure OCC copper or silver to get to the true high end of audio.
Check out Dave's work. He is not only a genius he is also the real deal when it comes to anything transformer based. His work not only amazes me, it is the pinnacle of high fidelity sound reproduction.
Contrast the transformer based gain with solid state.
Jim Hagerman builds a head amp called the Piccolo. This is under $500.00 from what I remember. I own two of these and they are the quietest and most user friendly step up devices you will ever come across. They are solid state active circuits.
Jim uses JFETs and zero negative feedback to accomplish the goal. It's a world class product at an affordable price. I built mine with seriously quiet capacitors and superb resistors.
So if Mike Fremer likes using Solid State gear that is non fussy that is just one fellow's personal decision as to how they approach audio.
Don't think for a minute that means Mike Fremer is an ascetic. His equipment is space age with great flexibility and user friendly conveniences. The gear is also beyond most of our budgets. Some guys have all the luck!
I only own one SUT now, it is a CineMag with all three gains. I like it for my Denon cartridges. The two were meant for each other.
For any other MC's in my system the Hagerman Piccolo sounds more dynamic, has less sibilance, and allows me to sellect cartridge loading on the fly. This is great when albums run hot to cold. With a flip of the switch I can tame a beast or spur a mule.
For me this kind of flexibility allows me the most smiles per listening minute.
I am not affiliated with Jim Hagerman or Dave Slagle other than the fact that they amaze me with their passion and creativity in deliving music that sounds life like and natural.
For me, I love the Piccolo. With the right parts, Jim Hagerman's head amp sounds amazing. You can read up on the product at http://www.hagtech.com
I rarely own two of anything. If I own two Piccolo's that means I no longer feel the need to look for the holy grail of SUT's.
"Help support our school's Music programs"
Edits: 05/28/12
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