step up for mc

Like I said, I've never heard of a lower amplitude limit on a transformer. Anything to support your position other than your somewhat un-scientific explanation?

"Below a certain signal level the transformers will act as a filter because some of the minute changes in the original MC signal will be insufficient to induce them in the secondary windings. "

Amazing, over 25 years in this hobby and of all the reasons I've heard not to use transformers I have never heard that, nor does it make any sense to me. I see how transformers can be frequency dependent but not amplitude. Please explain.

Dan, I guess I misinterpreted your post but in my world signal level = amplitude. I don't see what else it could mean.

Below a certain signal level the transformers will act as a filter because some of the minute changes in the original MC signal will be insufficient to induce them in the secondary windings. The result is a loss of low level detail.

I've owned and heard some of the most highly regarded SS and tube phono stages that did not use transformers (including Aesthetix and Pass Xono) and my present one that does, among others. To my ear the transformer stages were better.

Back to the original question. Your choices are very limited for a stand alone active stage to boost the signal so your MM stage can use an MC. CJ used to make one a long time ago but I don't know of any others. I think you will be very happy with a quality transformer.

Dan, at the level of equipment you are talking about the difference in transformer vs. active starts, or probably has long been, a matter of taste. We're talking here about boosting a MC up so a CJ PV10A can use it, not replace the pre with a mega-buck phono stage. I've owned one and the CJ is a great pre for the money, but it isn't practical to mate your suggestions to a $700 preamp. Transformers are the only practical solution.

AND, loaded on whiskey or not, quality step up transformers do not lose any detail vs. an active stage. On the contrary, at some point the lowest level signals from the cartridge fall below the noise floor of the active input stage and are therefore lost. This doesn't happen with a transformer.

I think Raul has the most sensible solution. Save the money you would spend on the transformers and extra cables and put it towards a better MM cartridge.