MC phono stage without transformer?

MC stepup transformers introduce distortion based on hysteresis losses inherent in any inductive device. These distortions will mask a certain amount of detail and it is unavoidable.

In addition, the transformer, again like any inductive device, can ring, which is another kind of distortion (harmonic) that blocks detail and also makes things brighter. Ringing can be controlled to a certain degree by proper loading, but now things get a bit tricky as you have to make sure the cartridge is loaded properly as well. Of course you can ignore these things if you like but that means you won't get all the performance that the rig has to offer; its worth paying attention to.

OTOH there are phono sections that are completely MC capable; at least IME the very best stepup transformers are a degradation to the signal with such preamps. They are a great problem solver if your preamp is not already MC capable.

I've used LOMC phono stages both with and without transformers. My transformer experience is limited unfortunately to only the Tron Seven I currently use. That being said, having compared it to another decent transformerless LOMC stage, (Pass Labs Xono), and IMO your transformer fears are unfounded.

The Seven sounded more realistic to me and was just as quiet as the Xono. I'm sure people will jump in and say they suck and mess up the music relative to a quality transformerless phono-stage but in my system based on what I've used, they do not.

Regardless of what people say, (me included), I'd just try to listen to whatever you can and not limit yourself based on a specific technology and buy what sounds good to you. Good luck.

Bent is no longer using S&Bs for the trannies as S&B stopped shipping out their trannies to DIYers and OEM manufacturers a while back. I believe John selected Magnaquest as the new supplier. I have a feeling its still going to be a while before you see them though.

Dan_ed, glad you caught that on the Cinemag.

I have read many posts by Ralph and Raul on the subject of SUTs. I respect their opinions but would say that I have had no issues with the use of SUTs in my set-up. That being said I'm going MM now anyway, mainly due to my VAC Avatar SE but also because I agree with Raul and others here that MM cartridges are overlooked and underrated.

Bent can not get the s&B trannies any more, that's why they are redesigning the MU.

If your going to try an sut it must be a good match for your cartridge. Before you jump call and talk to someone like Kevin at K&K and have him do the math for you and make a recommendation. Many feel it is best if you can avoid having to use load resistors mabey youll get lucky and find an sut that has an natural impedance to match your cartridge. Also look at jensen they show a zobel network for the loading on their trannys and probably have something that will work for you.