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MC phono stage without transformer?

A newbie question:

I read a lot of 'reservation' about using an external MC step up transformer to increase the gain of an MM phono stage. But as I searched around for MC phono stages, I noticed that a lot of these actually have internal step-up transformers, some of these transformers are exactly the same as what some people used to make their external step-up.

So if transformer is no good, I should really be looking for an MC phono without the tranformer? Do these exist though?
viper_z
dan_ed
2,451 posts
 
Yes, they do exist (I own one) and I bet all/most of them were developed using a step up as the benchmark. The external sut is still the most cost effective solution. There are things that have to be addressed. Such as loading, length of output cables, etc.
herman
2,253 posts
 
if transformer is no good

but it is. Your fears are unfounded.
viper_z OP
95 posts
 
Tpsonic,
I currently have a MM phono stage (tube) with 50dB gain. I am using a cart with 2.6mV output. But I want to experiment with Low Output MC (like a Lyra Skala).
clio09
3,355 posts
 
Why not get a step-up to see if you like the LOMC cartridge in your system. You can get a K&K Audio Lundahl step-up for about $350 (built) and it's easy to use with a plug n play resistor feature so you can easily change loads on the cartridge.
rsrex
45 posts
 
There is nothing wrong with a transformer, but the Herron phonostage uses a jfet to boost the gain to 66dB. There are plenty of others that don't use transformers.
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