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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

Showing 5 responses by leicachamp

leicachamp OP
103 posts
 
I dont think i can get the output to be as low as .2mv. I estimate at low volume the ipod would be pumping out 5-10mv. I have just finished a 24hr burn in session using my ipod and to my relief, no damage. I cant say whether it has improved the sound or not atm. Going to burn it a few more days.

I hear of theories of burning/damage the coils in Step up transformers but putting a too high signal, but i never read of an actual case!! Is it just a myth?

How much voltage can these transformers take?
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!
leicachamp OP
103 posts
 
If I plug the output of the mc transformer to a line input in the preamp( not phono) what load would that supply the mc transformer? Or does only a phono input provide the right load to the step up?

Also by plugging to the line input, that would prevent any damage to the phono stage.
leicachamp OP
103 posts
 
I am happy to report that no damage has been done to my step up. I have been feeding it with 10% to 60% of the volume of the ipod for approx 80hrs. Normal music signal was used.

Results: When i listened after burning at 10% volume around the 24hr mark, i could not really hear much difference. But now WOWWWWW, complete transformation. Bass is really deep and thunderous, mids and top really opened up. At the same thing it sounds very relaxed. I also find that it sounds louder at my previous volume level. This could be due to the Step up sounding a lot more dynamic.

I will continue burning in unit in the following weeks.The MC step up is the New York based Audio Labs T20. I also have a Lyra Erodion that i have been using for the past year, but which i will also burn in.

Thanks to al that have contributed to this thread.
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