Luxman MT-88 Step up transformer pairing


I was hoping for some insight as for the life of me have not been able to find any reviews or comparisons of the Luxman MT-88 SUT.

2 questions:
Do I need one (an SUT)
If so is the MT-88 a good pairing for the L-505ux and Clearaudio "Concept MC" cartridge?

Any help would be so greatly appreciated for this newbie.

Integrated amp = Luxman L-505ux
SPECS-Input Sensitivity / ImpedancePhono (MM): 2.5mV / 47KΩ, PHONO (MC): 0.3mV / 100Ω, LINE: 180mV / 47KΩ
S/N ratio (IHF-A)PHONO (MM): 91dB or more PHONO (MC): 75dB or more.
From reviews: "The MM input has approx. 35dB of gain. While the MC input has 55dB of gain We recommend MC cartridges with an output >.7mV. Lower than that you might consider using the MT-88 moving coil step-up transformer."

My cartridge = Clearaudio Concept MC (
  • Cartridge weight: 8.0 gram
  • Stylus shape: Micro Line
  • Cantilever: Boron
  • Coil material: OFC - copper
  • Compliance: 9/9 µ/mN
  • Recommended tracking force: 2.0 gram (+/- 0.2 gram)
  • Crosstalk: > 30 dB
  • Channel difference: < 0.5 dB
  • Output voltage: 0.42 mV at 5 cm/s
  • Cartridge Impedance: 11 Ohms
  • Cartridge body: Aluminium-Magnesium alloy with ceramic surface layer
  • From a reviewer of the Concept on hifishark says ""The recommended cart loading is 100ohms however; I did try 121 and 150ohms on a Phonomena II. I found that on my system, the 150ohm loading was quite optimal; at least in initial sessions.
    https://www.audioshark.org/cartridges-144/clearaudio-concept-mc-cartridge-review-1535.html

    wado

    Showing 1 response by erik_squires

    Hi Wado!

    This is something you can tell for yourself in the output levels and noise.

    If you feel you have to turn up the volume too much, or are hearing too much noise at the right level, that's where a step up transformer will help.

    Of course, proper matching according to recommended data is important, but that's the effect of having too low output for your gear.