step up transformers

neil_kaye · 3rd November 2007, 03:03 PM

HI,
I have a high output MC cartridge (2.5mV) that front the analog end to my low watt system (i am new to analog). It is driving a good pre which feeds a Pass ZV9 and a pair of high efficiency speakers.
I need to add some gain to this chain and my understanding is that i can do that through a pre-phono amp. I have recently stumbled across MC step up transformers and i was wondering if it would be possible to substitute a transformer for the pre-phono.
I don't need much gain (because of the MC's high output) and i thought if i could avoid adding another "active" stage in terms of a RIAA stage this would be a good thing.
Would someone mind enlightening me about step up transformers and whether this might be a good application?

Thanks
Neil

d to the g · 4th November 2007, 12:02 AM

Neil,

I've never ventured into MC carts, as I'm not ready to jump down that rabbit hole. But I did want to say that your site has some great pictures of some very well done diy equipment.

Doug

neil_kaye · 4th November 2007, 12:25 AM

Thanks Doug,

Perhaps if i ever figure out this MC thing i might be able to add a few other projects

dave slagle · 5th November 2007, 01:39 AM

do you have more information on your cartridge?

what make is it?

dave

neil_kaye · 5th November 2007, 03:51 AM

Sumiko Blackbird

dave slagle · 6th November 2007, 12:27 AM

the blackbird has an internal impedance of 135 ohms which is high by most SUT standards. You might have good luck with some of the current or vintage line transfomers that have 120-150 ohm primary configurations.

dave

nate · 8th November 2007, 11:19 PM

I would check out the K and K discussion board on audioasylum.com

They are the importers of Lundahl transformers who make excellent step-up trannies for low output moving coil carts. (In fact I just bought a pair of the 9206 transformers for my new Zucable modified dl-103)

The k and k website has a ton of great info on this subject.

Magnetar · 8th November 2007, 11:56 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by nate
I would check out the K and K discussion board on audioasylum.com

They are the importers of Lundahl transformers who make excellent step-up trannies for low output moving coil carts. (In fact I just bought a pair of the 9206 transformers for my new Zucable modified dl-103)

The k and k website has a ton of great info on this subject.

I agree, and they sound good too!

neil_kaye · 9th November 2007, 12:27 AM

Typically phono pre-amps provide for frequency equalization as well as gain.
By removing the phono amp section I am also removing frequency equalization by feeding into my pre directly from the transformers; or does the pre amp also provide frequency equalization.

nate · 9th November 2007, 01:41 AM

You still need frequency correction (RIAA correction).

How a my MC analog front end works is that I have a low output mc cart (0.4mV) that is connected to a step-up transformer and then to a moving magnet phonostage with about 38db of gain. The other alternative is to use a MC phonostage alone with higher gain (50db or so). MC phonostages have different resistor loading than MM stages. MC is lowish generally from 10ohms up into the hundreds. I have my MC phonostage set for a cartridge loading of 100ohms. MMs typically have 47kOhms.

Your cartridge has tremendous gain for a MC cart.... I'm actually suprised that you are lacking for gain. Can you please give us a rundown of your whole system???

Nate

3rd November 2007, 03:03 PM	#1
neil_kaye diyAudio Member Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: San Francisco	step up transformers HI, I have a high output MC cartridge (2.5mV) that front the analog end to my low watt system (i am new to analog). It is driving a good pre which feeds a Pass ZV9 and a pair of high efficiency speakers. I need to add some gain to this chain and my understanding is that i can do that through a pre-phono amp. I have recently stumbled across MC step up transformers and i was wondering if it would be possible to substitute a transformer for the pre-phono. I don't need much gain (because of the MC's high output) and i thought if i could avoid adding another "active" stage in terms of a RIAA stage this would be a good thing. Would someone mind enlightening me about step up transformers and whether this might be a good application? Thanks Neil

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4th November 2007, 12:02 AM	#2
d to the g diyAudio Member Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: minimalopolis	Neil, I've never ventured into MC carts, as I'm not ready to jump down that rabbit hole. But I did want to say that your site has some great pictures of some very well done diy equipment. Doug

4th November 2007, 12:25 AM	#3
neil_kaye diyAudio Member Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: San Francisco	Thanks Doug, Perhaps if i ever figure out this MC thing i might be able to add a few other projects

5th November 2007, 01:39 AM	#4
dave slagle diyAudio Member Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: NYC	do you have more information on your cartridge? what make is it? dave

5th November 2007, 03:51 AM	#5
neil_kaye diyAudio Member Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: San Francisco	Sumiko Blackbird

6th November 2007, 12:27 AM	#6
dave slagle diyAudio Member Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: NYC	the blackbird has an internal impedance of 135 ohms which is high by most SUT standards. You might have good luck with some of the current or vintage line transfomers that have 120-150 ohm primary configurations. dave

8th November 2007, 11:19 PM	#7
nate diyAudio Member Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: USA	I would check out the K and K discussion board on audioasylum.com They are the importers of Lundahl transformers who make excellent step-up trannies for low output moving coil carts. (In fact I just bought a pair of the 9206 transformers for my new Zucable modified dl-103) The k and k website has a ton of great info on this subject.

9th November 2007, 12:27 AM	#9
neil_kaye diyAudio Member Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: San Francisco	Typically phono pre-amps provide for frequency equalization as well as gain. By removing the phono amp section I am also removing frequency equalization by feeding into my pre directly from the transformers; or does the pre amp also provide frequency equalization.

9th November 2007, 01:41 AM	#10
nate diyAudio Member Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: USA	You still need frequency correction (RIAA correction). How a my MC analog front end works is that I have a low output mc cart (0.4mV) that is connected to a step-up transformer and then to a moving magnet phonostage with about 38db of gain. The other alternative is to use a MC phonostage alone with higher gain (50db or so). MC phonostages have different resistor loading than MM stages. MC is lowish generally from 10ohms up into the hundreds. I have my MC phonostage set for a cartridge loading of 100ohms. MMs typically have 47kOhms. Your cartridge has tremendous gain for a MC cart.... I'm actually suprised that you are lacking for gain. Can you please give us a rundown of your whole system??? Nate