Will Step Up Transformer Improve the Sound Quality?


I'm wondering whether a step-up transformer would improve my analog signal path.  I have a VPI Prime Signature with a Dynavector 17D3 Karat cart.  My phono stage is a Parasound JC3+.  The rest of the path is a PS Audio BHK Signature Preamp and a Pass Labs X-150.8 amp into Spatial Audio M3 Turbo S speakers and dual REL S/3 SHO subwoofers using Audience cables.  I am looking for advice as to whether adding a SUT would markedly improve the sound.  I am also looking for recommendations as to which SUT's would work well in this system.
128x128pg62

Showing 3 responses by mijostyn

pg62, the JC3+ is a solid performer, you are just as likely to take a step backwards. What are you looking for in your system? Do you perceive a 
problem? There are two weaknesses in your system I would confront. If you are using VPI's unipivot arm I would consider moving over the their gimbal pivot arm. Your bass should improve. Next is Rel's crossover. The best subwoofer/system performance is always achieved with a full two way crossover rolling off the bass to the main speakers. This decreases the distortion in them by an order of magnitude and can give you an additional 6dB of head room. It is like getting an amplifier 4 times the size! Other than those two issues you have a fine system. If there is a problem it may have to do with the room.
@pg62 , REL does what most of the subwoofer manufacturers do. For reasons of cost and complexity REL designs it's subwoofer to be integrated in under the bass of the main speakers. There is no high pass filter at all on the main speakers. This is problematic for many reasons but the single most important reason that this is a bad way to go about it is that you are missing out on the tweak of a lifetime. Your speakers have coaxially mounted compression drivers which your 15" mid/bass drivers cross over to at a high 800 Hz. Low bass requires even a 15 " driver to make long excursions. This wastes power but more importantly adds very significant amounts of Doppler and IM distortion to everything else the woofer is carrying and in your case it is carrying a lot! If you get a proper two way crossover and cross to your subs somewhere around 100 Hz your system will improve so much that your wife will notice it. Seriously, women are very sensitive to distortion. 
The best analog crossover is probably the JL Audio which is pricey but here is an excellent 4th order Linkwitz Riley cross over for $190 
  https://www.parts-express.com/ART-CX310-2-Way-3-Way-Crossover-245-880?gclid=CjwKCAiAyc2BBhAaEiwA44-w...
you will also require one more set of interconnects. 
There is one even less expensive way to to it and that is to use the crossover in the RELs for the subs and get the appropriate sized capacitor and put it in series with the input of your amplifier channels. In order to do this correctly you need to know the exact input impedance of your amplifier.  The equation is Fc = 1/2piRC. Fc is cutoff frequency or 3 dB down point, R = resistance(impedance), C = capacitance in Farads.
Turning this around C = 1/ 2piRFc. Lets say we want a crossover at 100 hz and the input impedance of the amp is 20 Kohms. 
C= 1/ 2pi20,000 x 100 = 1/12,566,400 = 0.00000008 Farad or 0.08 microfarad. That would be one of these. https://www.digikey.com/en/products/detail/panasonic-electronic-components/ECW-HC3B803JA/7567997
That will cost you $3.00 for two of them. 
Putting them in the amplifier is no big deal if you know how to use a soldering iron. You identify the wire going to the positive post of the input jack. Heat it up and lightly tug on it and it should come right off. Connect one lead of the cap to that post and the wire you just took off to the other lead of the cap. Make sure nothing can short out before you close up. Done. It might take me 20 minutes to do an amp. I'd be happy to work through it with you if you want to give it a try. You can always return the amp to stock configuration. The electronic crossover would more than likely sound better because it will roll your speakers off faster 24dB/oct vs 6dB/oct for the input capacitor but I think the capacitor will make a decent improvement. When I first started with subwoofers back in 1978 we were all stuffing capacitors into our amps. The very first subwoofer crossover the Dahlquist LP 1 came with a package of 30 or so assorted capacitors that you could put either in the LP1 or in your amp, made no difference.
@rauliruegas Darn rauliruegas, you stole my thunder! Good for you and you are right on the money in every way. Now you know about the capacitor trick and i won't have anything to add:-(