Step Up Transformers….Are they Worth the Trouble?

“I’m guessing your feedback was well into audible spectrum”

@mulveling

Yes, it was to the point that I couldn’t listen through Allnic as it lacks subsonic filter. I went back to phono board in my Accuphase Integrated, which is pretty darn good and has a subsonic filter. Encouraged by its ability, I went ahead and ordered the latest version of phono board - AD60, thought what the heck, for $1275; it wouldn’t hurt to have the latest phono board if I opted to return the Allnic H-6500 phono.

I am now looking into upgrading couple of internal parts to further reduce / eliminate vibrations from Garrard’s motor and bearing. I am not completely satisfied with its performance in stock version. This thing reminds me of gearheads who are constantly working towards improving the performance of garage kept (mostly) classic automobiles…lol!

Like I said elsewhere, an outboard PS designed for the Garrard motor will likely reduce noise by running the motor at lower voltages. There are several good options and easy to resell if you’re not happy.

@mijostyn, thanks for the response. I've tried the other tube configuration you mentioned. I spoke with Keith Herron and ordered the 12AX7 tubes he recommended. There was more gain but I didn't like the sonic signature as much with them so I put the factory tubes back in. I forget the exact gain 64dB with factory setup? 

The recommendation for the TA Zeus is 100dB of gain.

Maybe different 12AX7's would be more to my liking? I tried some vintage Mullard's too but Keith's factory tubes sounded the best to me. 

The Zeus makes 0.3mV at 3.54 cm/sec, or about 0.5mV at 5cm/sec, where most cartridges are rated. “100db” would indicate a voltage gain of 100,000X, or 50V (!!!) at 5 cm/sec. Whoever advised you is not to be trusted as a source for audio advice. 50V would drive some speakers directly, without an amplifier. Your Herron is more than adequate in terms of gain.

@vuch @lewm  is absolutely right. With the 12AX7s gain is 68 dB which is way more than enough. If you do not like the way it sounds you are looking at a different cartridge or phono stage, not a SUT.  Tube rolling will drive you insane. My suggestion is not to get started. Like @rauliruegas I am not fond of tube phono stages excepting some AR units and they are hybrids. The color of the tube stages covers up the characteristics of the cartridges. If you do not like what you are hearing it is 90% the phonostage, 10% the cartridge. My personal favorite phono stages are Parasound JC3+ followed by the Channel D Lino C 3.0 and then the more expensive Channel D units. The Lino C 3.0 gets a Stereophile A+ rating.