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AUDIO FORUMS >> General Discussion and Support >> Darlington Labs SU-7 vs. Cinemag 1254
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Message started by Alan Arkin on 12/18/25 at 22:00:12

Title: Darlington Labs SU-7 vs. Cinemag 1254
Post by Alan Arkin on 12/18/25 at 22:00:12

Hi there... I wanted to see if anyone had any insights or experience that might be helpful in trying to decide on a potential upgrade. I have had a Darlington Labs MP-7 and later MP-8B hooked up with the SU-7, which is a head amp that functions as a step up transformer. I have liked both of them with my turntable and Rachael. Recently though, I have been thinking about going to a traditional step up transformer -- the Ned Clayton Cinemag 1254.

I don't really know what kind of difference this will make, though I do know that the 1254s are highly regarded. I don't really use any of the configuration options in the SU-7. Any thoughts?

Thanks!

-- Alan

Title: Re: Darlington Labs SU-7 vs. Cinemag 1254
Post by Kahuna Jack on 12/18/25 at 23:05:57

Neds boxes are always available on ebay. Grab a pair of the green Altec Peerless 4722 classics and you have a starting point of what a classic sut sounds like. Ojas recommends the 4722's for a "classic" introduction. I think they even snag as many as they can for their own resale.

There's a pair ( not affiliated ) for 475.00 shipped on ebay right now. If patient they can be had for approx $500 pair on a fairly regular basis.

Good luck !

Title: Re: Darlington Labs SU-7 vs. Cinemag 1254
Post by Sean on 12/18/25 at 23:36:12

Hi Alan,

I never had Darlington Labs, but I do have a Ned Clayton Cinemag 1254. The Clayton SUT replaced a Audio Technica 630 and was a game changer for me. I wasn't quite happy with the AT and wasn't sure which ratio I needed on a new SUT so the Clayton gave me options. The improvement with the 1254 over the AT matched everything people were saying about it very smooth and open, just sounded very musical to me. I had no urge to look elsewhere for a better SUT and that lasted two years of daily use. Then one day I saw an ad for a Decware ZMC2 that was half off the cost of new so I bit. While the change wasn't as drastic as the AT to 1254 it was pretty substantial sonically. Music was fast, detailed and the soundstage was larger in every direction. I haven't gone back to the 1254 since. I would say if you are chasing the cutting edge of things go with a ZMC if it's within budget. Little known fact, the ZMC 1 & 2 use the same transformers, they can be wired for one ratio or the other. Useful if you can solder and ever change cartridges or want to try a different ratio. If you don't care to chase the cutting edge and want a solid SUT with ratio options on the fly I wouldn't hesitate to recommend Ned's 1254 SUT. One thing One wonder I do have the 1254's, would there be a sonic improvement if the transformers were wired directly without switches like the ZMC.