Step-up MC transformer for Audio Research SP 6C

[Cassiel]

Hi, just looking for a good one. I know very little about step-up transformers. MC cartridge is a Benz Micro Glider S (0,4 mV), gain is not enough with the SP6.

Another question: overall circuit gain is 60dB and I wonder how much else is needed and am also thinking about changing the circuit but the priority is to buy a pair of transformers.

 

[vinylkid58]

Check out the Sowter page. Glider L2 is listed as having Z=12ohms. Is that the same as yours? Looks like the 9570 would be appropriate.

SOWTER PHONO CARTRIDGE TRANSFORMERS

jeff

 

[Cassiel]

Yes, that's the one. So a 1:10 ratio would be enough? The Sowter is not too expensive, I know they make good transformers so thanks for the info.

 

[AVWERK]

I have a heavily modded SP6a that I pull out on occasion. Yours has the gain switch set on high I presume?
A Verion or Cotter Transformer is hard to beat for a price of course.

Regards
David

 

[phixphi]

Hola Cassiel! I have no experience with your phono pre nor the cart, but you might look into Tribute SUT's. I have Pieter's MkII nanocrystaline SUT's, interfacing between TSD15SPH and DIY EAR834. With 1:10 ratio the sonic result is outstanding.
What must be taken into account is that in my case the table (EMT930), the cart (TSD15SPH dampped headshell) and the phono are somewhat lush/euphonic (esp. the EAR834), so the fast, clear and crisp SUT blends in very well.

Pieter is also a pleasure to deal with, honest no bull-sh*t guy, but you need a lot of patience--he has no distributors so runs everything himself and sometimes is slow on emails ;-)

Saludos,
--phi

 

[SY]

Whichever you choose (I use the Sowter 8055X), be aware the the SP-6 has a high input capacitance, and that you may have to play around with the loading of the secondary to get good transient and frequency response.

 

[Cassiel]

Well, thanks to all for the replies. Sowter's it is for me.

be aware the the SP-6 has a high input capacitance, and that you may have to play around with the loading of the secondary to get good transient and frequency response.

Fool around would be more accurate, because I wouldn't know what I'm doing. Another dark territory for me.

 

[SY]

They have a really good set of app notes for the 8055X which will guide you toward a close-to-optimal loading.

Sowter Type 8055

 

[Cassiel]

Oh that explains it very well. Thanks.