Step-up Transformer

[gazcarts]

Hi all,

Looks like I've managed to get a good deal on an ex-demo Croft Acoustic RIAA phono stage. I currently have a high output MC cartridge (Dynavector 10x5), but if I did decide to go down the road of low output MC cart, what step-up transformer should I invest in, given the rest of my system?

Again, I don't want to spend a fortune. I'm intending to cover the cost of the Croft by selling my Lehmann Black Cube SE, which of course handles low output MC carts.

Or should I just stick to high output carts?

Thanks again
Regards

[Ammonite Audio]

On the basis of my visit to Martin's, I have taken the plunge and one of these http://www.bobsdevices.com/cinemag.htm is on its way from the States. With an AT33PTG, it did produce a most impressive performance, for very reasonable money.

[hifi_dave]

The Puresound T10 is an excellent device but it does depend on your budget.

[gazcarts]

I had seen both of those suggestions; 300 quid though! Is the extra outlay going to produce significant improvements over a high output cart such as my 10x5?

Why hasn't Glenn Croft produced an MC stage then?

Regards

[hifi_dave]

Because Glenn is a London/Decca man and when you have one of those singing, there is not much else worth bothering with...

Actually, Glenn did make MC phono stages many years ago but was never happy with the results.

[MartinT]

On the basis of my visit to Martin's, I have taken the plunge and one of these

Excellent stuff, Hugo, I love my CineMag SUT. It gave such a lift in performance over using the AT33PTG direct into the MC input that I was really quite shocked.

[Marco]

Erm, and who enlightened you to that fact, dear chap?

SUTs rule!

Marco.

[MartinT]

Oh yes, listening to your A23 SUT certainly made me break mine out of storage and get it going with the Whest. I had actually bought it to solve a different problem but in the end it was a total rediscovery.

[Marco]

Hi Gary,

Hi all,

Looks like I've managed to get a good deal on an ex-demo Croft Acoustic RIAA phono stage. I currently have a high output MC cartridge (Dynavector 10x5), but if I did decide to go down the road of low output MC cart, what step-up transformer should I invest in, given the rest of my system?

I'm a firm believer in that (if possible) MC cartridges and SUTs should be designed together by the same manufacturer, so that the electrical requirements of a specific cartridge (gain, loading, etc) are optimised, and both are voiced to perform as a matched pair. This is precisely why the A23 SUT works so well with the Denon DL-103.

Therefore, rather than buying *any* SUT available, the question I'd ask is which low output MC cartridge did you have in mind? With that information, I can try and give a suitable recommendation

Or should I just stick to high output carts?

Nope. In my opinion, high output MCs are a massive sonic compromise. Budget models such as the Denon DL-110/160 are fine, but I wouldn't waste money on anything more expensive.

If you don't go down the low output MC/SUT route, you'd be far better going for the likes of a Decca, like Dave says (with a different arm), or one of the superb new Nagaoka MMs on the market, both of which would sound amazing through the Croft's fabulous all-valve MM phono stage.

I hope that helps!

Marco.

[Chris]

My AT-650 SUT didn´t rule with my Troika I´m afraid. My Hagerman Piccolo head amp walks all over it into my P10. And it´s quieter.