2. analog
  3. 161449-8843

Tango Step Up Transformers vs Bob's Sky Blue Cinemag

Hello,

I am considering getting an SUT and was wondering if anyone could share their experience with the sonic signatures between vintage Tango transformers and Bob's Devices Sky Blue Cinemags.

I realize having the correct step up ratio and optimum loading in relation to your specific cartridge is of utmost importance, but with all things being equal... I'm curious of the sound signatures of each.  The tone, the dynamics, the soundstaging, etc.

Even if you only have experience with only one or the other... any help would be greatly appreciated :)

Best Wishes for great health and happiness to all,
Don
no_regrets
lalitk's avatar
lalitk
5,603 posts
 
@edwyun,

Thank you for your post. I have been following this thread with great interest. I am speaking to Sound Tradition and they are recommending Live! MC-907 with a pair of the Hashimoto HM-7 MC step-up transformers, which use the US-made certified 4N OFHC copper wires for its winding for the finest sound quality.

My cartridge has the internal impedance of 6Ω and the output voltage is 0.4mV. They are recommending a calculated output level of 3.16mV with 52 ohms load via x30 setting or if I prefer a heavier load of 209 Ohms, it can be set to the x15 gain with the calculated output level of 3.11mV.

I am still considering other options so let’s see what I end up with.
kps25sc
149 posts
 
I had Bob make me a Sky 40 special order with input and output rca's on opposite side s to fit inside my TT. What a gentleman to deal with. The sound with the Benz TR cartridge i use on that arm, is dynamic with gobs of detail and wonderful bass into my SS preamps built in MM input. On not so well recorded material i actually prefer it to my Benz LPS into a Io Eclipse phono, on perfect audiophile recordings i prefer the Io. Guess what i end up using most of the time.
no_regrets OP
543 posts
 
So I ended up buying some vintage Hirata Tango step up transformers from Japan.  I hope to have them within the next 2 weeks.... not sure how the current pandemic will effect shipping times.

I truly appreciate everyone's contributions to this thread.  It certainly sounds like their are some great options available.  I couldn't resist snatching the virtually "unobtainable" Hirata Tango and looking forward to giving it a try.  If for whatever reason it doesn't live up to it's reputation, I can always order a Sky, etc as they are still currently in production.

Wishing you all the very best of health and happiness,
Don
Ag insider logo xs@2x
edwyun
244 posts
 
@lalitk
Congrats and enjoy.  You will love the Hashimoto.  FWIW, I use the 15x setting with some loading resistors to get the loading down from 209 Ohms to 120 Ohms for my cart.  Perfect setup for me.

@no_regrets Congrats and enjoy also.  Lots of great SUTs out there.  Getting all the components working together optimally is key.

More to discover