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Burn in Step up transformer with ipod.

Here is question for you guys. There are cd products out there that reduces the output of CD players to low levels so that they can burn in phonostages and step up transformers safely.

Most cs players output between 2-4 volts which can damage phono step ups. With an ipod, the headphone output is 30mv. If i pay a track via the ipod and connecting it to a step up transformer with rca and play at low volumes, wouldnt it be the same thing as what these products do?
leicachamp
mechans
3,048 posts
 
There are some really inexpensive phono transformers available. That is if $20-$30 bucks is cheap enough for you. I can't remember theirs names or where to buy them but if I were looking I would bottom fish Ebay to start.
john_tracy
341 posts
 
Kevin Carter of K&K Audio, the US distributor for Lundahl transformers burns in new MC transformers with line level signals. As long as transformer is properly loaded and phono stage is off or not connected I see no problem. In fact, burn in is quicker. I burned in a pair of LL1931AGs ($900ea Lundahl silver MC transformers) in this manner.
leicachamp OP
103 posts
 
John. Thanks for the info.

Did you connect to the output of the step up transformer and load the inputs ?

It's interesting to hear that K&K burn their step up with line level signals. I have never read a direct case of a transformer damaged because of a high level signal, but there seems to be an urban myth that many folks out there have done irreversible damage to their step ups and phono stages.
leicachamp OP
103 posts
 
Mechans, what makes you think I was looking for budget step ups?

My questions had nothing to do with the cost of step ups!
jjrenman
279 posts
 
Line level signals are usually around 1 volt so probably not a big deal. However if the voltage is high enough you will saturate the the core of tranny. If done for extended periods you will eventually do damage to it.

Also, if your phono stage is on and you are feeding the tranny one volt I guarantee that you will severely overload the input. So hook up the tranny to the phono pre to "load" it but do not turn it on and risk damage.
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