Lyra Helikon

if the lower output version sounds better than my regular version, wow, it is worth it. i certainly would get the lowest output available if i were to do it again.

Yes, but isn't there a disadvantage to running the lowoutput through a stepup transformer?

Gladstone, if the device is quiet enough it shouldn't be a problem. I think?!?

Sure, it's quiet. But is the sound as good going through a builtin stepup device in a phono stage. I wonder.

Many years ago I owned a tube preamp that required an outboard step up device for the low output cartridge that I was using. I tried a number of different outboard transformers including a Denon, a Cotter and finally a Koetsu which was by far the most musical of the group. In the end I preferred the sound of the cartridge going straight into the preamp even given the higher noise level and loss of dynamics. IMHO, I would reccommend going with the higher output Helikon rather than using a step up transformer; however, if you must use a transformer, use the one made by Lyra.