Jagged24
15-08-2013, 12:22
This thread is to share my experience with a prototype version of Reference Fidelity Components’ new MC1 step-up transformer. I have no connection with the company, but being on the lookout for a SUT, took advantage of their offer to home-demo the prototype version.
This links to the product page with a picture of the unit:
http://referencefidelitycomponents.co.uk/rfc-launches-new-step-up-transformer/
I understand from RFC’s Paul Cope that the prototype version is substantially similar to the production model, except for quality of finish, and the fact that the production model comes with additional mass loading to the base of the unit to dampen vibration, and the ground post at the back of the unit is located centrally rather than at one side.
It is widely accepted that the sound quality of a SUT depends critically on the quality of the transformers used in it, and aspects of the matching between the cartridge and the SUT.
Paul Cope tells me that RFC’s MC1 unit uses high-quality shielded transformers that have been custom wound to RFC’s specifications by a well-respected specialist company. The cores are from laminated mu-metal, with multi-leaf windings, and there is extensive shielding to decrease susceptibility to external noise. The frequency response is claimed to be +/- 0.5 dB in the audible range (but I have not seen the data). The transformers provide a step-up ratio of 1:10 (20 dB) on each channel, which should work with a wide range of LOMC cartridges with outputs in the 0.25-0.7 mV range. The unit I used had loading adjusted to 150 ohms using high-tolerance hand-matched metal film resistors. I have found from previous experience that this step-up ratio and loading suit my cartridge – the Benz Gilder SL, with an output of ~0.4 mV and an internal impedance of 12 ohms – very nicely.
Besides the critical issues of transformer design/quality and cartridge matching, other nice features of the MC1 unit are that high-quality components (eg., MF resistors, gold connectors, Cardas euctectic solder) are used throughout. RFC not only provides a warranty but also offers to alter the SUT loading without charge for up to two years after purchase in case you change your cartridge.
I compared the MC1 SUT in an A/B listening test with the well-regarded internal 1:10 / 100 ohm SUTs in my Icon PS1.2 Mk1 Signature version valve phonostage (which has been a firm favourite of mine for some time). The output from the cartridge was either connected directly to the MC inputs on the Icon, or via the MC1 SUT to the 47kOhm MM inputs. I listened to a wide range of music over several days, including classical (orchestral symphonies, organ concertos, sonatas and partitas for violin), jazz (majoring on piano, trumpet and saxophone) and pop. It was evident from the outset that the Icon phonostage and the MC1 got on very well together. Also, a very positive sign was that there was little or no audible hum from the SUT at the volumes I was listening at.
I’m not inclined to overstatement – but there was a clear and substantial improvement using the MC1 versus the Icon’s internal SUTs across the entire range of music that I listened to. Particularly evident was the clarity and detail right across the frequency range, which probably arise from a variety of improvements with the MC1. Transients were ‘quicker’, there was increased separation between notes and instruments, much previously inaudible detail became audible, the position of instruments and voices in the soundstage was firmer, and the frequency extremes (particularly at the treble end) were clearer and sweeter. These are, of course, potentially subjective descriptions, but I hope that they convey clearly the differences I heard. If I have time later on, I will try to record and post needle-drop samples with and without the MC1 SUT.
The above comparisons were with A/B listening, so I am confident that the improvements I heard using the MC1 were clear and real. In the past, I have also heard a few mid-level SUTs on other systems (eg., Denon, Rothwell or Ortofon units) and believe that the MC1 is better than the majority of similar components available in this price range.
Well worth a try, in my opinion, and relatively inexpensive for the high quality offered.
I should add that Paul at RFC was always helpful, and offered excellent service in getting the prototype unit set up to my requirements.
____________________________
Benz Glider SL - Audio Origami 12" PU7 arm with Cardas wiring - Scheu Analog Diamond TT
Icon Audio PS1.2 Mk1 Signature version valve phonostage / 1x Mullard ECC81 / 2x Mazda ECC83
Audiolab CDQ8200
Bel Canto EvoII Gen 2 Tripath-based Class D power amplifiers running in monobloc
Audio Physic Tempo III speakers
This links to the product page with a picture of the unit:
http://referencefidelitycomponents.co.uk/rfc-launches-new-step-up-transformer/
I understand from RFC’s Paul Cope that the prototype version is substantially similar to the production model, except for quality of finish, and the fact that the production model comes with additional mass loading to the base of the unit to dampen vibration, and the ground post at the back of the unit is located centrally rather than at one side.
It is widely accepted that the sound quality of a SUT depends critically on the quality of the transformers used in it, and aspects of the matching between the cartridge and the SUT.
Paul Cope tells me that RFC’s MC1 unit uses high-quality shielded transformers that have been custom wound to RFC’s specifications by a well-respected specialist company. The cores are from laminated mu-metal, with multi-leaf windings, and there is extensive shielding to decrease susceptibility to external noise. The frequency response is claimed to be +/- 0.5 dB in the audible range (but I have not seen the data). The transformers provide a step-up ratio of 1:10 (20 dB) on each channel, which should work with a wide range of LOMC cartridges with outputs in the 0.25-0.7 mV range. The unit I used had loading adjusted to 150 ohms using high-tolerance hand-matched metal film resistors. I have found from previous experience that this step-up ratio and loading suit my cartridge – the Benz Gilder SL, with an output of ~0.4 mV and an internal impedance of 12 ohms – very nicely.
Besides the critical issues of transformer design/quality and cartridge matching, other nice features of the MC1 unit are that high-quality components (eg., MF resistors, gold connectors, Cardas euctectic solder) are used throughout. RFC not only provides a warranty but also offers to alter the SUT loading without charge for up to two years after purchase in case you change your cartridge.
I compared the MC1 SUT in an A/B listening test with the well-regarded internal 1:10 / 100 ohm SUTs in my Icon PS1.2 Mk1 Signature version valve phonostage (which has been a firm favourite of mine for some time). The output from the cartridge was either connected directly to the MC inputs on the Icon, or via the MC1 SUT to the 47kOhm MM inputs. I listened to a wide range of music over several days, including classical (orchestral symphonies, organ concertos, sonatas and partitas for violin), jazz (majoring on piano, trumpet and saxophone) and pop. It was evident from the outset that the Icon phonostage and the MC1 got on very well together. Also, a very positive sign was that there was little or no audible hum from the SUT at the volumes I was listening at.
I’m not inclined to overstatement – but there was a clear and substantial improvement using the MC1 versus the Icon’s internal SUTs across the entire range of music that I listened to. Particularly evident was the clarity and detail right across the frequency range, which probably arise from a variety of improvements with the MC1. Transients were ‘quicker’, there was increased separation between notes and instruments, much previously inaudible detail became audible, the position of instruments and voices in the soundstage was firmer, and the frequency extremes (particularly at the treble end) were clearer and sweeter. These are, of course, potentially subjective descriptions, but I hope that they convey clearly the differences I heard. If I have time later on, I will try to record and post needle-drop samples with and without the MC1 SUT.
The above comparisons were with A/B listening, so I am confident that the improvements I heard using the MC1 were clear and real. In the past, I have also heard a few mid-level SUTs on other systems (eg., Denon, Rothwell or Ortofon units) and believe that the MC1 is better than the majority of similar components available in this price range.
Well worth a try, in my opinion, and relatively inexpensive for the high quality offered.
I should add that Paul at RFC was always helpful, and offered excellent service in getting the prototype unit set up to my requirements.
____________________________
Benz Glider SL - Audio Origami 12" PU7 arm with Cardas wiring - Scheu Analog Diamond TT
Icon Audio PS1.2 Mk1 Signature version valve phonostage / 1x Mullard ECC81 / 2x Mazda ECC83
Audiolab CDQ8200
Bel Canto EvoII Gen 2 Tripath-based Class D power amplifiers running in monobloc
Audio Physic Tempo III speakers