Step-up transformers...


I recently purchased a lovely Benz-Micro ACE 0.4mv cart. from a member here on Audiogon, but have come to find out that my Audio Innovations 500 cannot accommodate such a low output...

I've seen/heard of a couple of options - the KAB "Pre-MC" and the "Blackhead II" (what a name, eh?)...

Has anyone ever used either one of these products? - I guess I want to use a simple step-up because it's inexpensive and I would like to stick with the tube phono pre offered by the 500.

Thanks a ton,
Mark
ballywho
While I'm sure there are other good options, I would second the Bent Trannies. I don't own them but I once borrowed Doug Deacon's and they were awesome. I'm sure Doug will chime in with advice at some point.

On the other hand you might just consider a preamp change. I have a Shelter 501 cartridge which also is .4mv into a Plinius M14 solid state phonostage with MM and MC gain and a LAMM LL2 tube preamp. I prefer to use the MM gain in the phonostage since the LAMM pre has fantastic detail and dynamics and low noise and also using the low gain gives more adjustment range in the preamp volume control. With MC I typically stay below 10 O'clock position.
Most definitely a tranny.
The K&K kit looks good (if you know how to diy the PS, etc).
Bent uses S&B trannies which are very good.
BTW, so are the Lundahl used in the K&K kit.
I have the K&K, and kept it even after adding my Supratek. I feel it is one of the true values in "high-end" audio. It is the only solid state piece in my system.
Has anyone listened to both the K&K and the Bent Audio? Toying with switching from a .4mv Shelter 501II to something lower output going into my CAT SL1 MkIII. Suggestions for this application? Thanks, Spencer