ikeda mc-transformer

Dear Dougdeacon: I agree with you: there-are-no one way streets on audio and that a high gain phono stage has its own problems.
The issue here is ( for me ): wich way do less harm to the signal reproduction. If you have a preamp with a high gain built in phono stage that has a good design an a good execution of that design ( You named: Boulder. Yes, a very high price. ) this preamp do less harm that a preamp with a stepup transformer.
Now, the only way to hear an understand these issues is trying it. I already try, for several years, with step up transformers, head amps and outboard phono stages and I could find that the best quality audio reproduction from a low output moving coil is a preamp with a built in high gain phono stage.
This is my experience and that is what I want to shear with you all music lover people, no more than that.
Best regards.
raul.

Dear John: Please read my answer to Mr.Dougdeacon.
Raul.

Raul,
Perhaps we've beaten you up enough for now (on poor Eduard's nickel no less). As you just said, the results you prefer are the results you prefer - in your system and experience. That's a different perspective than a blanket statement that X is always and necessarily superior to Y.

I would never quarrel with your experiences (which exceed mine) or your perception of those experiences. To do either would be irrational.
Best regards,
Doug

Dear Eduard/Doug: Maybe the problem is in that both of you use tube electronics and in this way you have to use the step up transformer with a low output moving coil cartridge.
Tube electronics, per se, is another issue, but that is another history.
Best regards and enjoy the music.
Raul.

Raul,
There are plenty of high gain tube phono stages, from near entry level right up to the world-beating Aesthetix Io. Obviously it's true that mine and Eduard's don't happen to be among them. Thus this thread.

BTW, since you've become pretty active recently, why not list your system? I'm sure it's fairly impressive and it would give us some perspective on where you're coming from.

Eduard,
Apologies for the continual digressions on your thread. I wish I could say something (anything!) about the Ikeda stepup. My only experience is with my BentAudio Mu's, which get my highest recommendation BTW. Superb design and BQ, and their ability to change cartride loading quickly and easily is a huge benefit. FWIW.