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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
herman
2,273 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
3,360 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.
dan_ed
2,451 posts
 
Viper_z,

You will want to use a sut. Depending on the gain of your pre your MM has pretty good gain, but it will sound closed in and tipped up. The sut will allow you to load the MC properly which will fixed the sound. It will also give you back more fine volume control.

K&K is a good recommendation.

Also, last time I talked with John Chapman of Bent Audio he was planning to start shipping the new MU sut replacement this July. If you are not familiar, the MU has been one of the highest regarded suts for several years. People don't usually part with them, even if they have an active MC gain stage.
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