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
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.
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.
Dan_ed,
Do you mean the $875/pair as shown in this website?
http://www.bentaudio.com/parts/mu.html

Clio09
I'll call up K&K to see what they have... if it only cost $350 then it's a no brainer to try.
Yep, if you want the best that is the one to consider. Hopefully, John will be shipping soon.
If you want to go cheap, but still get some quality contact this guy.

Al Gallacher

Otherwise known as anumber1 over on AA-vinyl.