Step Up Transformer

Never used or heard a ’Bob’s’

I love my Vintage McIntosh’s MM Phono sound, thus only needed to boost a low MC signal up to MM signal strength, to continue to use the mx110z’s tube phono.

AND, I wanted PASS, to simply send (Pass) a MM cartridge’s output out with zero involvement of the transformer.

Like many of us, you might end up with a small handful of cartridges, or, which cartridge is next after the current one wears out?

I chose some flexibility regarding both signal boost (x-factor)

and a few selectable impedances.

I found Fidelity Research, FRT-4. The impedance changes with the x-factor, not independently

this one looks nice and a good price

https://www.ebay.com/itm/304640517447?mkevt=1&mkcid=1&mkrid=711-53200-19255-0&campid=5338381866&toolid=10001&customid=bcb45964-054a-11ee-bde7-653637346133

note: it has selectable inputs for 3 tonearms.

ENTRE ET-100 is somewhat similar (one less x-factor/impedance choice). Also 3 selectable tonearms.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/404323158005?mkevt=1&mkcid=1&mkrid=711-53200-19255-0&campid=5338381866&toolid=10001&customid=1f8a0c3c-054b-11ee-bef1-643464623063

Some SUTs have independent impedance and independent x-factor controls (rear switches, internal jumpers, etc).

Dear @fundsgon  : I can't understand why you ask for a SUT when the Stellar is a great active high gain phono stage and the Cadenza needs no SUT with the STEllar and if you insist for the SUT you will only degrading the Cadenza sensitive cartridge signal.

A SUT can't improve the quality level performance of your Stellar, ONLY can and will does degrades that cartridge signal.

Regards and enjoy the MUSIC NOT DISTORTIONS,

R.

Raul, on paper your argument makes perfect sense. But in practice things might work out differently. In my system I have the possibility to choose between various SUT’s, voltage gain and current gain devices and some cartridges have a clear preference for the use of an SUT in the signal path. Others definitely do not, it all depends.

I realise this is pretty much a useless answer to the OP, were it not for the fact that in my experience Ortofon MC’s tend to have a liking for SUT’s. My SPU’s, A95, Anna and even the old MC7500 all sound at their best with a good SUT. So I wouldn’t be at all surprised if this also goes for the Cadenza Black, which shares many of the basics with these other models. Just give it a try......

I use Ortofon Cart's, I have friends who also use Ortofon Cart's and between us, there is also use SUT's, Head Amp's, as well as the option to use a MC stage biult into a Phon'.

I and others I spend time with do not set limits on how a Signal from a Cart's is being transferred.

I don't focus too much on the Math, I don't get too much stimulus from number crunching. It is the Sound that is being presented and the variants of the sound (different flavours) that can be created that are maintaining an attraction that I find the most stimulating.

On this forum, I believe I once referred to a experience I had, where a demo was taking place with a Ortofon Cart' that was attached to a SME 3009. This set up was was met with posts where the description of the set up was not too well received  and it was challenged as a concept.

'Nobody Died', "Get Over It". If a individual likes the idea of experiencing a SUT with a particular Model of Phonostage, then let that itch be scratched.

The 1254 @pindac  mentions is indeed very similar to the Sky 20. I’ve had both. The Sky might be a bit sweeter but both have that “boogie” factor and lush midrange that I think really benefits the Ortofon MC cartridges (which can otherwise be too dry for my tastes). Either one is a great choice for your cartridge IMO.