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Can I use a step up transformer?

Hi everyone :-) I am currently using a .3mv cartridge (Dynavector 20x2) with a phono pre amp (Manley chinook) that only has a 60db output for LOMC, I am not getting the gain I would like, I feel like I am at the boundries of over loading my tube linestage (Manley Jumbo Shrimp) with the volume at 3:00 o clock position.Would this kind of a device even help fix this issue? Where does it hook up?  Assuming it would.... And If you wanted to spend under $2000 for one, can you recommend one that should work well with my system?

Thanks

Matt M
mattmiller
rauliruegas
13,129 posts
 
Dear @halcro : Please read very carefully here:

https://forum.audiogon.com/discussions/can-i-use-a-step-up-transformer/post?postid=1342503#1342503

because those changes in quality performance level comes from the very complex interaction that produce impedance/inductance internally in the phono stage that can’t handle with aplomb it, not comes from the cartridge that is non-sensitive to those load impedance changes. Problem is in the phono stage that comes with some kind of " faults " by design.
Obviously that in an active high gain PS this kind of design is not for use with external SUTs so it’s not a design faulty, the designer made it to use it in the active high gain and not the other way around . The designer in your unit never imagine that some one will use the MM stage along a SUT, so there is a " problem " in that MM stage. 

The designer of your unit knows very well what I'm explained in this thread and that's why he left in the active MC high gain stage  a fixed 220 ohms impedance that you can't change it because is not need it to do it.

Please read it.

Regards and enjoy the music,
R.
czarivey
5,946 posts
 
If phonostage gain not enough, investing to higher output cartridge is wiser than to SUT. That's where math easily replaces all the science behind.
rauliruegas
13,129 posts
 
Dear @czarivey : Agree with.

If for example an active gain PS was designed for cartridges over 0.3mv and has no MM stage and we want to listen a 0.20 mv cartridge then we need to change, either, the PS or the cartridge with  higher output level.

As I posted, with LOMC cartridges what we always need is to match Phono Stage gain not impedances.

I think that existed and exist a misunderstood ( including me. ) not only on SUTs but in the overall subject.
Many vintage SUTs and even today ones comes with the possibility to choose different " load impedance " ( normally a selector switch: 3 ohms and 40 ohms or 20 ohms or whatever. ) and where the selected " impedance " has different  gain( 34 db, 26 db or 20 db or whatever. ). Other SUTs only said:  3 ohms to 20 ohms.

ALL those created the misunderstood because in a SUT we don't have to match the cartridge impedance with the SUT impedance that as a fact does not exist as we could think.
Again, only match gain with the phono stage.

Phono stages that comes with a selctor switch for MC load impedance ( normally at th first input stage. ) or/and different  gain levels goes against the quality performance level of the cartridge signal: it performs a signal degradation.

Overall interaction of all  these and the PS design generates several anomalies/distortions even could affect the critical/delicate equilibrium in the passive RIAA eq. frequency response deviation on both channels and certainly we can hear it.

@thuchan posted:   """  Good systems deserve using SUTs!  """

i disagree with. What we need for LOMC cartridge is way better active high gain Phonolinepreamp designs and that's all. I think this is still the real challenge for all designers.

Regards and enjoy the music,
R.


rauliruegas
13,129 posts
 
Btw and for all those audiophiles that like to modify/upgrade by it self electronics like a Phonolinepreamp could be interesting that all them can check with a printed diagram the today RIAA eq. deviation after their modifications and compare it vs before those changes along today distortion levels and its changes.

I'm sure they will find a not so nice " surprise " .

Regards and enjoy the music,
R.
thuchan
1,009 posts
 

"If phonostage gain not enough, investing to higher output cartridge is wiser than to SUT. That's where math easily replaces all the science behind."

- sounds simple, but isn't. Using higher output cartridges you are facing several disadvantages you need to tackle at the matching process.

"What we need for LOMC cartridge is way better active high gain Phonolinepreamp designs and that's all." 

- looks also like a simple solution but isn't too. Otherwise we would have seen designs yet.

I am getting the impression this a lot of  theoretical talk rather having experimented with excellent MCs and perfect matching SUTs. 

A perfect matched SUT is not only able to provide the gain one needs, it also gives a more profound, stable, dynamic and deep sound structure,
in comparison to some Phono pres which provide thin air.


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