MC phono stage without transformer?

Yes, they do exist (I own one) and I bet all/most of them were developed using a step up as the benchmark. The external sut is still the most cost effective solution. There are things that have to be addressed. Such as loading, length of output cables, etc.

Viper_z,

You will want to use a sut. Depending on the gain of your pre your MM has pretty good gain, but it will sound closed in and tipped up. The sut will allow you to load the MC properly which will fixed the sound. It will also give you back more fine volume control.

K&K is a good recommendation.

Also, last time I talked with John Chapman of Bent Audio he was planning to start shipping the new MU sut replacement this July. If you are not familiar, the MU has been one of the highest regarded suts for several years. People don't usually part with them, even if they have an active MC gain stage.

Yep, if you want the best that is the one to consider. Hopefully, John will be shipping soon.

If you want to go cheap, but still get some quality contact this guy.

Al Gallacher

Otherwise known as anumber1 over on AA-vinyl.

Well, actually not that cheap. K&K would be better.

Rccc,

I don't get how it is best to avoid load resistors but apparently ok to use a zobel that adds both resistance and capacitance? Seems counter-intuitive to me. Or, are we talking about the pre-amp side?

Thanks, Rccc. That makes more sense, a zobel to correct load imbalance that may be contributed to ringing with some trans. I also agree that no components at all should sound the best. Good luck with your search. I've also begun to take a more DIY approach as of late, except I've started at the speaker end and am working backward.

I used several MC preamps without a transformer, but I never heard any sonic improvement. A disappointment.

Surely you aren't saying "heard some so heard them all"?
( And I didn't call you shirley! ;-) )

I've heard/owned a few with xformer and tube MC stages. None approach my current active (JFET) MC stage Alaap. Not even close!

This thread seems to be veering down another path. I think it would be good for interested readers to go back and read this thread. Lots of good stuff!

What Makes a Good RIAA or Line Stage?

You got it, Eldartford. That is why I added the link to a prior discussion on this subject.

There is so much more to it than just assembling the parts. I'm sure that Nick Doshi, Ralph, Jim Hagermann, Jose, etc., all started off as DIY'ers. So what are you really paying for (exclude any marketing for the sake of discussion) when you buy equipment from these folks? The answer is their invaluable experiences. I do agree that you can get very good results with DIY projects and kits. And, you can get very good results using quality SUTs. Maybe it won't be world class performance, but as long as the music it recreates sounds good to you what else matters?

Before we analogers get too busy wringing our hands over the cost of performance, take some time and read the digital forums about what is happening to CD transports. If you don't spend thousands all you get is a cheap, PC-style transport in a pretty box that may not be supported a few years after you buy it. I think that in comparison the future is very bright for vinyl.