Can stepup transformer be used with an MC phono stage?


I just purchased an Electron Images MCP-1 phono preamp and it seems to be a VERY good phono preamp;  however, I'm realizing it doesn't have enough gain for my .2 mV output Dynavector.  Doing a little more research, it seems that the MCP-1 works well for cartridges down to .5mV of output.  Could I use a stepup transformer between my cartridge and the MC phono input of the MCP-1 without causing any damage to the phono preamp or other equipment in my system?  If so, what specifications should I be looking for in a stepup transformer?

Thanks in response for any responses and advice.
wcheng2

Showing 1 response by dover

Ignore the above post it is irrelevant.

Your electron images phono is a pure tube unit with loading RCA sockets on the rear. The input impedance is more likely to be either 47k or open. You can measure the input impedance with a meter across the input with the unit turned off.

Tubes have high overload margins compared to solid state, and you can likely run a step up transformer but obviously you need minimal extra gain and my suggestion would be to run the unit as is - you might have enough gain anyway, albeit with a little noise ( which may or may not be significant ). If you try a step-up transformer, leave the loading plugs off.