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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


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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.
nandric's avatar
nandric
3,263 posts
 

The output by MC cartridges is measured with different

test records and different ''speed'' so one can't  trust the

''ássumed standard values''. By your EMT TDS 15  is

the output value according to the producer 0,21 mV while

according to ''usual measure'' 1mV. This means that you

don't need an SUT for this cart.

solypsa's avatar
solypsa
43 posts
 
If anything you need less gain not more.
1:20 means more.
There are some 1:7 types out there....
rsf507
405 posts
 
@jvancamp where are you located? If possible try and borrow some different SUTs
tobes's avatar
tobes
302 posts
 
I'm been using a Cary PH302 for about 7yrs and like you I found external SUT's into the MM stage to work better with the cartridges I used (lower output MC's).
I've tried Bob Sattin's 3440A, Hashimoto HM7 and Lundahl 1941. The first two were 1:15/1:30 (from memory) and latter is pretty similar 1:16/1:32. 
I agree that a healthy input voltage to the Cary MM stage sounds more dynamic.
I never had any overload problems running a 0.4mV ART9 mc into the 1:32 setting which will boost that cartridge to 12.8mV.
However I found the ART9 to work better with 1:16 (6.4mV) and reflected loading of 184ohms.
You're talking about 1:20 which will boost 1mV to 20mV. I would think a 1:10 SUT would be more appropriate - but I don't know what the overload specs are for the Cary.
Assuming no overload issues, 1:20 SUT (26dB) will give 64dB total gain with the Cary MM (38dB) which may be excessive for your setup - but that will very much depend on the rest of the chain.
IMO 1:20 would be more appropriate with lower output mc's, say 0.3 -0.5mV range. But of course much depends on the individual cartridge and system specs.
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