I think Al has it pretty much summarized. Most transformers are intended to be used in front of a standard MM gain stage, for two reasons: 1) matching of gain, and 2) transforming of load. A MC stage typically has an input impedance of around 100 ohms. A MM stage typically has an impedance of 47k ohms. Remember, the transformer doesn't just STEP UP, it transforms from a low-impedance, low voltage to a high impedance high(er) voltage. You need to match impedances as well as levels, and the 100 ohm MC stage would just bog down the transformer - it would effectively be driving a short circuit. I bet your MC stage can be configured as MM. All mine are - same basic circuit, different loads and gains.
Do I need a sut?
I purchased an Ortofon MC2000 cart from a fellow A'Goner, it is very low output .05mV, my phono pre is a Herron VTPH-2 which has 69db of gain and my pre is a Herron VTSP-3a(r02) 14db gain.
The cart sounds wonderful, but with such a low gain I have to turn up the volume by quite a lot. If I had, another source at that volume, I wouldn't be able to stand it. With the volume turned up so high I get a fair amount of noise between tracks.
Should I be looking at an sut or just live with it the way it is? I found an Ortofon at a decent price, it has 24db of gain. Would that be ok to go into the mc input on the VTPH-2? The mm gain is 48db, if I plugged it in there I would only gain 3db(if I'm doing my math correctly) I will also be contacting Keith, but I thought I would ask here too.
Thanks
Jeff
The cart sounds wonderful, but with such a low gain I have to turn up the volume by quite a lot. If I had, another source at that volume, I wouldn't be able to stand it. With the volume turned up so high I get a fair amount of noise between tracks.
Should I be looking at an sut or just live with it the way it is? I found an Ortofon at a decent price, it has 24db of gain. Would that be ok to go into the mc input on the VTPH-2? The mm gain is 48db, if I plugged it in there I would only gain 3db(if I'm doing my math correctly) I will also be contacting Keith, but I thought I would ask here too.
Thanks
Jeff