MC transformers - what do they sound like?

Thom. thaqnks for that, The Bent audio Mu transformers appeals to me as it is easy to change the loading and seems to have a good reputation.

What is the difference between changing the load on a MC transformer compared to changing the loads on an active gain stage. Most active gain stages have several impedance loading options these days.

there still seems to be no consensus on whether a MC transformer adds bass or takes it away.

My only expereince with MC transformers was with the Manley Steelhead and the transformers sounded a little more dynamics in the bass compared to the straight gain - sound wise not my cup of tea, a little hi fi sounding

Rwwear, I think you will find that ARC have dereleased their ref phono stage and replaced it with the PH7 phono. get / tube like the PH5 but souped up to the max.

David12. I have looked at the K&K p[hono stage. Does it have nice tube warmth?
In M Fremer's colum last mnth he reviewed the art audio ref1, which is based on the K&K. he commented on overloading and distortion when using a .5mv lyra titan. This does not sound right. have you have any of these issues?

cheers Shane

Raul

Me for one will be happy to be a beta tester and try out your phono stage and let the gon know about my experiences. If I like I will buy it.

Me I have gone back to the Pass Xono for the moment after trying many other phono stages.

email me seperately if you like

cheers Shane

Gregadd.

Would you buy the phono stage if you liked it?? I would.
It is not a cheap unit. :)

Raul.

What do you think of Tim De Paravancini from EAR. He uses transformers extensively in all his products including MC pickups. His EAR 834 is an excellent unit, I am listening to one now and it has a fluidity that the Pass Xono or Ayre Px5 don't seem to have. - not sure what I like better at the moment.

What about this guy from TNT review site who states that
"Active devices are drifting with temperature, operating point and under work, and if input signals are smaller than 1mV, the drift gets into the way of the music. Bass lines are muddy then and drum players seem to play like if they are drunk. So the music is lacking immediateness, and rather sounds hollow, uninvolving, uninteresting".

see his review
http://www.tnt-audio.com/accessories/mc_3xfr_e.html

cheers Shane

Raul. I would not trust his wide ranging opinion that transformers are the only way to load a MC cartridge. Just the same I won't believe you that all SUT's are bad.

I think as a few of the guys in the thread here have stated - it all depends on the design, the listener's musical preference and current tonal qualities of his system and budget.

My mind is open on both sides of the fence and from what I have heard both are legitimate choices someone can make for their own musical enjoyment.

cheers Shane

Gregadd. What does Luke Manley have to do with this thread. VTL don't even make a phono stage.

You must be confusing Eva Anna's Manley company which makes the steelhead. IMO, it is very quiet and has great dynamics - I can see why people like it, but to me sounded too hifi.

Gregadd, no guts no glory!

this could be the first step to a real priced Boulder phono stage beater!!

Raul. I have emailed you off line.

BTW, now that I have my Pass Xono back I am lot happier. The SUT's that I have listened to - EAR 834 and manley steelhead have been very dynamics but have had a sort of unnatural high end and rather loose bass with the EAR.

cheers