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Active FETs vs. Step-up phono stage designs

I've noticed quite a few threads on A-gon discussing step-up transformers recently, and it got me thinking of the different applications in the phono stage design. I'm curious of the advantages and disadvantages of designs that employ step-up transformers vs. active designs with FETs, especially in tube preamps. Examples would be the new Manley Chinook vs. the Rogue Audio Ares with its custom Cinemag transformers, or the highly-regarded Andros, which also went the step-up route. I'm thinking of upgrading my solid stage phono preamp in the near future, and would like to hear your opinions (and I know we have a few designers posting regularly) regarding this subject.

actusreus

Showing 4 responses by actusreus

actusreus OP
733 posts
 
Atmasphere,
Would it be correct to say all-tube phono preamps are rather rare?
actusreus OP
733 posts
 
Bumping the thread as it was posted over the weekend hoping there is some discussion to be had regarding the topic.
actusreus OP
733 posts
 
Dan_ed,
I'm genuinely interested in what those in the know, or more knowledgeable than me, have to say about these different approaches to phono stage design. But certainly I'm also hoping that the discussion would assist me with my selection. Auditioning in my system might be difficult.
actusreus OP
733 posts
 
Dan_ed,
Everyone's opinion is more than welcomed :)
Your comment about optimization is one of the issues that I was thinking of as well. It seemed to me it would pose a bit of a challenge in designing a phono stage that utilized step-up transformers rather than FETs.

I have it from a good source that Fremer's review of the Chinook is coming out, I believe, in the next issue of Stereophile. It should be an interesting read.
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