Where to insert the step up transformer

Dear Cucurello, if the MC output is very low and the phonoamp is far away, do amplify the signal as early as possible and use a low capacitance phono cable. To keep solder joints and connectors to the minimum possible, I would however - whenever possible - integrate the transformer into the phono-input section (especially so as most step-up transformers do furthermore benefit from the additional shielding of the preamps cabinet and the input of the phono/RIAA-preamp can easily adjusted (with tubes.... sometimes with JFets too) to perfectly match teh secondary of the transformer.
Cheers,
D.

Hi,
as Dertonarm said, THE BEST is to have the trannie right inside the phono-pre ---- unfortunately most often there's not enough space unless you want to dismantle the trannie.
Of course that would give you the least capacitance issues with the out-put connection, and presumably including very good screening.

DerTonarm knows his FR products, and if you look at e.g. an FR XF-1 you know what I mean with regard to space needed.

Cheers,
Axel
PS: I now use an MM and have none of that issue either :-)

Hey Gregm, Axlewahl, Almarg, & Dertonarm
Thanks for your input.
But I gotta tell you it did not work.

Not the cartridge/transformer hookup, I have not tried that yet.
What I mean is that no matter how hard you try you'ze guys won't scare me away with a barrage of opinion

I have read every word of it.
Understood some and probably misunderstood as much again.
I really appreciate the energy you are all putting into this.

Here are some reactions/replies
- The cartridge & transformes ARE a manufacturer's match
- The transformers are passive "in-line" devices
- It will require a 4'cable to go from TT to MM Phono input

Gregm's suggestion to try both ways appeals to me as I am most comfortable with the "aural" comparison.

I will be biased toward Dertonarm's advice.
It just seems to make sense that the signal should be amplified before travelling the distance.
Shielding however is something that I'd not considered.
Do you guys/gals think these transformers and the cable run ought to be shielded?
If so. With what material?

That's it for now.

Thanks again to all

Cucurello

Hi Cucurello
maybe you want to have a look into the thread: "Clearaudio Stradivari " http://forum.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/fr.pl?eanlg&1245164397

I put some stuff on trannie loading and such, it may fill in some of what you are pondering about.

Also, note that Daniel's advise to have the trannie inside the phono-pre gives you an indication where it's at --- in fact it plain contradicts the notion to have the tone-arm cable to be shorter in lieu of a longer trannie to phono-pre, a proposition that I do not think to be the better one, but as always YMMV.

Good luck,
Axel

Dear Cucurello, you will need shielded cables and transformer cabinet shielded too. If you use bare transfoemers and customize them into a cabinet, make sure all leads - input and output - are twisted tightly. Do connect the cabinet and the transformers ground with a ground connector similar to the ground at the phono preamps input. The signal is nowhere as small as here and the interference from outside sources (radio, cellular, wireless LAN etc.) can be very annoying...... and once picked-up you won't get rid of it.
Cheers,
D.