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How to choose step up transformers?

I just get into vinyl.  I bought a Sony PS2250 turntable and I have a Luxkit a3300 preamp.  The preamp has a MM phono stage but not MC.  I would like to get a MC cartridge so I am looking to buy a Step up transformer.  I don’t know what MC cartridge I am going to get yet.  Do I need to match up the cartridge and the SUT?  If yes, what do I need to match?  Likely I will buy something not too expensive such as the Denon DL301.  
gte357s

Showing 2 responses by lalitk

lalitk's avatar
lalitk
5,632 posts
 
“Do I need to match up the cartridge and the SUT?”

I would say Yes! The two important numbers in MC cartridge to be aware before you go SUT hunting are the internal impedance and the output voltage. I would suggest reading up on Dave Slagle’s primer on SUT selection,

http://www.intactaudio.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=752

The two manufacturers I know off that have excelled themselves in providing custom SUT tailored for your cart are,

http://myemia.com/SUT.html

https://www.bobsdevices.com/product-page/sky-cinemag

Lot of folks also like Auditorium A23 with Denon carts.
Hope this helps!
lalitk's avatar
lalitk
5,632 posts
 
While a generic SUT covers a broad range of MC carts (2-40 ohms), a purpose built SUT from EMIA and Bob Services will definitely sound better with the cart it was originally spec for. That’s how one ends up with multiple SUT’s. When it comes to Analog, you want to extract every last ounce of goodness from that cart and vinyl.

Glad to see roberjerman loves his vinyl cause he pretty much trashes everything else here :-)

Check out this thread as well,

https://forum.audiogon.com/discussions/tango-step-up-transformers-vs-bob-s-sky-blue-cinemag
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