AudiogoN
Search Buy Sell Learn MyPage
 Learn > Forums > Analog > 1214924381  Start New Thread | Log In | Bookmark This
  MC phono stage without transformer?
A newbie question:

I read a lot of 'reservation' about using an external MC step up transformer to increase the gain of an MM phono stage. But as I searched around for MC phono stages, I noticed that a lot of these actually have internal step-up transformers, some of these transformers are exactly the same as what some people used to make their external step-up.

So if transformer is no good, I should really be looking for an MC phono without the tranformer? Do these exist though?
Viper_z  (Threads | Answers | This Thread)

07-01-08
  Responses (1-50 of 117)
Click title to read one, or click date to read all below it.

07-01-08   what is the voltage output of your cartridge?   Tpsonic

07-01-08   Personally, i've never used a transformer-based mc stage (& ...   Willieaspen

07-01-08   Yes, they do exist (i own one) and i bet all/most of them we ...   Dan_ed

07-01-08   if transformer is no good but it is. your fears are unfou ...   Herman

07-01-08   Tpsonic, i currently have a mm phono stage (tube) with 50 ...   Viper_z

07-01-08   Why not get a step-up to see if you like the lomc cartridge ...   Clio09

07-01-08   There is nothing wrong with a transformer, but the herron ph ...   Rsrex

07-01-08   Viper_z, you will want to use a sut. depending on the gain ...   Dan_ed

07-01-08   Dan_ed, do you mean the $875/pair as shown in this website ...   Viper_z

07-01-08   Yep, if you want the best that is the one to consider. hopef ...   Dan_ed

07-01-08   If you want to go cheap, but still get some quality contact ...   Dan_ed

07-01-08   Well, actually not that cheap. k&k would be better.   Dan_ed

07-01-08   Dan_ed, do you know what transformer is bent audio mu using? ...   Viper_z

07-01-08   Ok..no worry.. i did a search and found that it's s&b tranni ...   Viper_z

07-01-08   Mc stepup transformers introduce distortion based on hystere ...   Atmasphere

07-01-08   I've used lomc phono stages both with and without transforme ...   Bhoage

07-01-08: Clio09
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.

Clio09  (System | Reviews | Threads | Answers | This Thread)


07-01-08   Bent can not get the s&b trannies any more, that's why they ...   Lloydc

07-01-08   If your going to try an sut it must be a good match for your ...   Rccc

07-01-08   I'll love to try jensen too, but i'm not a diyer   Viper_z

07-01-08   Im sure someone here can recommend a trannie that works well ...   Rccc

07-02-08   I would urge you to give kevin a call at k&k. the latest lun ...   Divo

07-02-08   Clio, i believe dave slagle is supplying the new magnetics ...   Palasr

07-02-08   Rccc, i don't get how it is best to avoid load resistors bu ...   Dan_ed

07-02-08   As atmasphere pointed out, there are certain inherent limita ...   Larryi

07-02-08   Palasr, the slagle autoformers are being used for the tvc. ...   Clio09

07-02-08   Ralph is absolutely correct in that transformers have their ...   Thom_mackris

07-02-08   Ahh ... i missed clio09's comment, noting that john chapman ...   Thom_mackris

07-02-08   Dan-ed, it may not be possible to avoid using load resistors ...   Rccc

07-02-08   Thanks, rccc. that makes more sense, a zobel to correct load ...   Dan_ed

07-02-08   maybe a higher output cartridge would be a start? .35-.45mv ...   Tpsonic

07-02-08   Clio, you're absolutely correct...my bad. i would be curio ...   Palasr

07-02-08   Tpsonic, the problem is that a lot of really musical cartrid ...   Atmasphere

07-02-08   Dear viper and friends: i posted somewhere: +++++ " t ...   Rauliruegas

07-02-08   I will just say that there are several active head amps and ...   Swampwalker

07-02-08   Raul, i agree with your post in principal but sut's are an a ...   Rccc

07-02-08   Rccc- cost is of course an issue for most of us, but iirc, r ...   Swampwalker

07-03-08   Swampwalker, i completely agree but want to defend the lowly ...   Rccc

07-03-08   Dear swampwalker/rccc: i agree with both of you because ( as ...   Rauliruegas

07-03-08   I agree with raul on nearly every point save that of the fac ...   Atmasphere

07-03-08   Atmasphere, i should have said some of the same transformers ...   Rccc

07-05-08   A lot of people never heard a high class step up transformer ...   Xronx

07-05-08   Xronx, that comparison has been conclusively made, and my ni ...   Dougdeacon

07-06-08   Fyi, viva makes their own transformers. also, the sowter 805 ...   Piedpiper

07-06-08   Dear dougdeacon, i havnt said that all solid state mc stage ...   Xronx

07-06-08   Another contender for a high gain all tube phono stage is th ...   Piedpiper

07-06-08   While i very much respect raul's and atmasphere's comments o ...   Kirkus

07-06-08   Dear ron: in my case ( as i already posted on other threads ...   Rauliruegas

07-06-08   Dear kirk: +++++ " now i understand and respect a desig ...   Rauliruegas

07-07-08   Dear raul, "well you don't know every one and certainl ...   Xronx


    1 | 2 Next >

  Post your response
Subject


Your response

No html, but you may use markup tags


Username
Members only

Password