Using Accession MM w/SUT?

Hi Jeff,

Edited by RichW - 18 Sep 2019 at 8:11am

I first tried out an MC cartridge using an Era Gold V and a relatively cheap SUT that was however designed for the MC cartridge I was trying.
It was certainly sufficient to give me a taste and I moved on to a more expensive MC cartridge from the same manufacturer which also worked quite well with the SUT.
I later stumped up for an Elevator Exp to replace the SUT and was pleasantly surprised by the gain in performance that afforded.
I have since moved on firstly to a Reflex and later a Revelation M and finally an Accession M still using the Elevator Exp.
I have in that time tried a good number of more expensive MC cartridges and SUTs but settled for continuing with the Accession M and Elevator Exp combination.
I have now had opportunity to trial the Accession MC and it does afford yet another step up in performance from the present combination.
Being satisfied with the MC cartridges I now have I will likely move to an Accession MC when finances permit.
But to answer what I gather to be your question, by all means use a SUT as an interim means to trial an MC or two but be aware that the Elevator Exp is more flexible in its loading options and superior in performance (to my hearing) to any SUT less than or equal in price.

I actually have only a little experience of MM cartridges, the first cartridge that "clicked" for me was the HOMC Denon DL-110 and I went from that to a Denon DL-103 then a DL-301 II.
I have no idea how one might define a "solid advantage" or even if such a thing might exist.
To me, cartridges are such characterful devices that you try to find one (of whatever type, MM, MI, MC) that presents the music you prefer to listen to, in a manner you find pleasing.
I have thoroughly enjoyed listening to a wide range of music using the venerable Denon DL-103.
As to stylus life that seems to vary from manufacturer to manufacturer and also seems to vary according to polish, grain orientation, stone quality, profile etc.  I have seen figures from 500 hrs to 5000 hrs.  Your 1000 hrs would probably be an average conservative figure across the board.
MC cartridges are commonly retipped which is often markedly cheaper than replacement. (dependent on the original cost of the cartridge)