Regards,
R.
Phono (0.1- 0.22mV+) or step up for LOMC?
Why use a transformer?
"Step-Up Transformers (SUT) are a serious option for anyone who owns a Moving Coil (MC) cartridge, one that can significantly improve both the sound quality and sonic character. Quite simply, a good transformer is the best way to audition an MC cartridge with the highest performance possible. Since the output of MC cartridges is lower than that of a Moving Magnet (MM), higher gain is required to utilize them, such as that provided by SUTs or MC phono preamplifiers. Although both devices provide this requirement, both are fundamentally different in function and in sonic character. This is where SUTs are frequently seen as superior; they are completely passive and offer exceptional noise performance and sound quality. This is due to the fact that the structure of harmonic and intermodulation distortion is fundamentally different between MC-preamps and SUTs. While an MC pre-amplifier has a constant resistive input impedance, an SUT has an input impedance that is frequency dependent. The harmonic distortion produced by SUTs is highest at the lowest frequencies and drops as the frequency rises, whereas in most MC preamps the distortion increases as the frequency rises. Combined with significantly lower Intermodulation Distortion (IMD), the sound produced with an SUT will be much more open, dynamic, spacious, and natural." https://www.ortofon.com/hifi/products/transformers |
Thank you for all the replies. I changed the unbalanced cables to balanced. The cables need to burn in,the octaves are incomplete, but it feels like I got 5-10db and overall better sound quality, so that's gonna be like that. I decided to buy a phono next. I need to do that even if I am gonna buy later a SUT because the Mx Vynl is running at 47k constantly in MM mode and the Ikeda is happy at 100ohms... I am hesitating between the Ph-10 and the ASR Mini MK3 exclusive high voltage edition. I couldnt find lots of info about the last one, only it's good with LOMC and high quality product. Anyone? Both has balanced xlr outs. Any other phono what would be better with balanced xlr-outs? |
@chakster , I assume that your ''guess'' is connected with the mentioned ''mini Basis'' phono-pre. I own the whole ASR German artillery: two transformers (40kg each), 2 battery supply (one for the amp the other for the phono-pre) than Emitter II (the amp) and Basis Exclusive the phono-pre . Those are 6 big boxes. |