Can I use a step up transformer?

3.5dbs means that the PLP needs to double the power and if the PLP was designed for at least 0.3mv output cartridges then its specs/overall characteristics could change in dramatic way.

We're talking voltage gain here, not power. If a phono pre is designed to handle 0.3mV cart. it will handle a 0.2mV cart. just fine. The only "cost" is a 3.5dB loss of S/N ratio when one supplies the extra 3.5dB of gain with the following line stage using the volume control. The phono pre does not have to double its power. Now if that extra noise is enough to kill a quality listening experience for you then you are entitled to your opinion.

As far as changing "characteristics" (its not clear what you are referring to here), if this were the case then your theoretical phono pre designed for 0.3mV cart. would not be able to play quiet passages without changing its overall characteristics. Presumably it should be able to handle from 0.0mV - well over 0.3mV so why should a cart. with less output change its "characteristics"? Like I mentioned, I played a 0.4mv cart. on a MM phono pre designed for 4.0mV cart., a 20dB difference. Other than the extra noise, no other changes.

BTW, I have read the whole tread and some of the posters here remind me of medieval clerics sitting around arguing over how many angels will fit on the head of a pin.

Dear John_Tracy,

what you are describing is an unbelievable but a not rare seen (and heard) phaenomenon. A planned mismatching! I believe you that it sounds fantastic in a way. I did some experiments as well. 

In the end when you put a matching SUT in front of the MM stage you win quite some deep and dynamic soundstage.

 

Dear @thuchan : So have you answers to all those simple questions that  coming from what you posted and where you did not any explanation?

My question here is: have you specific answers or not ? and if not its ok, no problem but just tell us about one way or the other. Don't be " shy ".

regards and enjoy the music,
R.

Dear Raul, I am a little puzzled. You are stating in this thread:
> > "I’m not an expert on SUTs I’m still learning about and what I find out is that the most important subject is to match the SUT ..."

and also:

> > "in my case I experimented for more years than you with the best vintage and today SUTs and with today and vintage top PS, either SS and tube designs.“

Which statement should I follow? Anyway maybe we shouldn’t care so much about these two statements.
Regarding czarivey`s suggestion why not going for higher output MCs? In general he is right, when you are using weak phono stages (are you ? :-) this may help to get more dynamics.If you are running a phono pre with 60db gain you will not go very far with 0,2mV LoMCs – In this case you need going for higher output Mcs. But - and this is the downside: The effective mass is much higher, you have more coil on the cart carrier. Unfortunately this hinders the dynamics!LoMCs are always the spearhead of dynamics but with low output! There is no free lunch.

You are asking me why I said: " facing two coils looking at each other, the one of the cart, the other of the SUT. You need harmonizing both .... "where did you learn this because in your opinion it is " false " too. Raul, this is the basic principle of SUT matching. What should be false here? This is what you are dealing with when you are matching a SUT.You need trying to harmonize the specifications of the coil of the cart with the coil of the SUT. You described it very well when stating it`s not only about impedance matching.
If you do not accept this given fact you should not start dealing with this matter.
Anyway, I remember you asked me why I said some days ago „it is not an easy job matching LoMcs and SUTs“. Hope you understand better now.

Deciding which SUT is appropriate is a matter of personal taste and careful matching!
What were your favourite SUTs and LoMCs when you did your matching experiences?
We all want to learn from your experiences. Don't be shy too...