Need MC Step-Up Transformer advice?

I second Raul's opinion. I have tried well burned-in S&B TX-103 transformers (also briefly Cotter trannies several years ago) in my VPI/Shelter 501/Counterpoint SA-9 in MM/Acoustat servo OTL power amps/Acoustat model 8's. The S&Bs were configured at 20db gain with either 50 or 100 ohms. My modified Music Reference RM-4 or Audio Research MCP-33 is much more musical, dynamic and involving. This could be a system matching issue. Since my experience is limited with my own system, I cann't generalize the results. It's just my experience with my system.

We need to speak from our own expreiences, not from "it must be....", especially when it comes to audio. I think it is really worthwhile at least to try some decently built pre-preamps a listen. From my exprience pre-preamps sound very good. In fact I transformers sounded uninvolving and lacked dynamics (though quiter) compared to pre-preamps in my system.

Regards,
Steve

Hi Paul, the TX-103 that I was using was burned-in from Bent audio. I have asked for 100% burn-in, and John did it for me. I don't have any idea about how many hours is actually needed for a complete burn-in. I have assumed that Bent audio would have known what is optimal burn-in period. Maybe I need to try after more burn-in, but I doubt that I have that much patience and time since I am currently very much satisfied with my current systm.

Here is a little more description about my feelings with
Acoustat model 8 speakers

Modified (by Mike Savuto of Analogue Associates) Acoustat Servo OTL mono power amps

Modified (Dynamicaps, removed transistor buffer stages, circuit board damping, naked vishay output volume registers, Blackgate 'lytic caps throughout except for low voltage apps, etc) Counterpoint SA-9 phono preamp with Amperex Buggle Boy 6DJ8s

Modified (Vishay registers, Blackgate caps, Dynamicaps, etc) Music Reference RM-4 pre-preamp with Amperex white PQ 6922s

Stock Audio Research MCP-33 pre-preamp with Amperex Buggle Boy 6DJ8s

Shelter 501 II or ZYX Airy II Copper cartridge

Despite the fact that both the phono stage and the prepreamp are tube units, the RM-4/Counterpoint SA-9/Shelter 501 (0.4mv) combo sounds extremely quite and I cannot hear any noise at all at the listening position. I need to get close to about 1 or 2' to the speakers to hear any tube noise. When I substitute RM-4 with MCP-33 I get very faint tube noise from my listening position. So, the RM-4 is quiter than the MCP-33. The RM-4 got considerably quiter after mod with premium parts. The RM-4 with ZYX (0.24mv) is more noisy but I am not distracted by the noise. In fact I can live with it since it sounded very very real and live. Noray Jones's voice is extremely real and alive with the ZYX.

TX-103: The most problem I had with it is that it's dynamically compressed. Could be burn-in or system matching issue, but that's the feeling I and my audiophile (classical guitar professor) friend have concluded.

Stock MCP-33: More dynamic that TX-103 with pleasing instrumental tone.

RM-4: Very dynamic and alive. very musical.

I think we need to keep an open mind when it comes to Audio. There are so many variables and systems that we can never predict the outcome.

Regards,
Steve