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Seeking advice on several specific MC Step Up Transformers

Hello,

I am looking to change my MC Step Up Transformer (SUT) and am hoping some folks may have had some experience with one or more of these combinations...

I currently use a Silvercore 1:10 SUT. It is hooked up to my Garrard 301 turntable, Thomas Schick 12” tonearm and EMT TSD 15 cartridge. The SUT then runs into a Cary Audio PH-302 MkII Phono Preamp>Supratek Chardonnay Line Preamp>a pair of Decware SE84UFO2 monoblock power amps>Altec Flamenco Speakers.

I previously had a Parasound Halo JC3+ phono preamp in this chain, but, found that the Silvercore SUT was overloading it and causing significant noisefloor. Once I upgraded to the Cary phono pre (with a much higher overload capacity), the noisefloor disappeared. And, yes, on both the Parasound and the Cary I have tested just using the MC input but much prefer the overall sound/impact/dynamics that I get by running the SUT into the MM input.

Through several conversations with two differnt SUT manufacturers I have learned that due to the EMT’s output of 1mV and the higher overload capacity of the Cary pre, an SUT of 1:20 is more ideal. 

So, after that long-winded explanation, I am wondering if anyone has used the Decware ZMC1 SUT and/or the Bob’s Device’s Sky 20 SUT. 

The Decware is a 1:20, but, has the added capability of adjustable gain. Which, as I understand, can be nice for adjusting the impedance on the fly as some records may sound a little brighter than others. The Bob’s Devices is switchable between 1:10 and 1:20. The Decware is also about $400 cheaper (which is a major consideration currently).

Hoping someone may be able to shed some light on any of this...

Thanks,
Jared


128x128Ag insider logo xs@2xjvancamp78
fjn04
1,339 posts
 
I am in nowhere man's land with you. When it comes to SUT's, the often used BLACK ART phrase is pretty accurate. There are some who delve a bit deeper in to specs and matching... Dave Slagle and Bob Sattin come to mind. The A23 units are also an option. They make a (not new but) newer unit that is specifically for TSD-15 or Tsd-75. It sits below the Homage, yet above the basic units. The Silvercore is a nice unit... I had one for a while, along with a Hashimoto HM-7, and a few of the A23 units. While I like the A23 a lot, the Bob's and the Slagle do dig in to specs a bit more, and can open your door of options a bit wider. Of course with the TSD-15, that is one of the few proven options with the (high impedance) A23 units. If it were me, I would not want to reinvent the wheel unless I had a demo, which of course Bob offers. I hate to say it but the EAR MC-4 may be another interesting option. (-:
tzh21y
1,377 posts
 
find an older Cotter.  They were pretty good.
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rauliruegas
9,123 posts
 
Dear @jvankamp78:  """  And, yes, on both the Parasound and the Cary I have tested just using the MC input but much prefer the overall sound/impact/dynamics that I get by running the SUT into the MM input ""

The JC designed Halo JC3+ is way way better that a MM + SUT. That you prefers this way does not means is rigth and the problem did not comes because the cartridge output level or the Parasound unit but seems to me came and comes from those tube electronics, it is here where the problem is ( no matters what. ).

With all respecto what you like it is wrong against how MUSIC sounds. Is wrong because maybe you can understand how a cartridge signal is " touched " and which kind of degradation levels happens at each single link in your system chain. MM + SUT against the JC3+ only means higher distortions/signal degradation levels.

Regards and enjoy the MUSIC NOT DISTORTIONS,
R.
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