Arm and MC transformer to match ZYX Air3 cartridge

In this day and age of truly magnificent high gain, low noise phono preamplifiers, I can't for the life of me understand why anyone would want to compromise the ultra-refined performance of an expensive low output MC cartridge by running its output through a step up transformer -- of even the highest quality. Sorry guys, I just don't get it -- it's like, "Why bother?"

And I'm not prejudiced. I used to use a Mitchell Cotter myself, but that was 1985! So have at me if you like, but IMO, they represent a giant step backward.
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Eric, which Airy are you getting the L (.24mV) or the H (.48mV)?

Also remember, ZYX is one of a few manufacturers that spec their carts using the JVC test record. So when considering whether various phono preamps have enough gain, you need to convert to the more standard CBS test standard and multiply the JVC numbers by a factor of 1.6, which in the case of the Airy 3 would be either .38mV or .76mV depending on which version you get.

That said, if you prefer tubes (and you might, considering the Chord is all ss), there are some very fine tube units which will work at either of those output voltages, Audio Research and Aesthetix to name just two.

Like Dan, I prefer a ss unit (even though that makes my whole system ss) but it's a very special phono preamp, so I'm probably not a good example. I think what Dan is saying is that you'll get more performance/dollar in a ss unit. For synergy, Chord makes a wonderful ss phono preamp, the Symphonic, but Im sure it's expensive.

If you're willing to use one of the good high output moving coil carts from van den Hul or Sumiko, you could go directly into the Chord's MM phono input. That would still give you better sound than using a step up transformer IMO.

Stltrains, I think Dan put it best:

"Even the very best of transformers cannot faithfully induce the entire signal from the input coil to the output coil."

A step-up xfmr is not just a "coil of wire". It is an inductor with an iron core which produces a sort of magnetic inertia. They also tend to alter the cartridge's frequency response curve. Rauliruegas probably has given the best arguments against step ups. . . . and he owns dozens of cartridges ;--) Check his threads.

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