Arm and MC transformer to match ZYX Air3 cartridge

Back to clear up one thing. The entire MC stage in my Alaap is SS using a FET-based circuit. (Nick made me write this 100 times!)

thanks guys for your info it is dully noted, we learn something new everyday, and you will not inform anyone more than me on improving my sound to my ears, will be looking into a better ss phono preamp than the ps gcph was to my ears, hey dan sometimes writing something over really makes it set in, have a good one and thanks mike

Thanks for all the inputs. Since I've already got the AN MM phono stage. I'll try to add a step up transformer at this stage. I'll cpmpare the phono stage set up with the Chord and Ayre phono amps later on.
I'm trying to get the Airy 3x-SB 0.24mv version. Would like to know does the Graham 2.2 arm a good match with the Airy3 ?

Stltrains,
I own the (copper) TX103's (from Bent Audio). I also own an Alaap (similar to Dan_Ed's). The Alaap is clearly superior. Not a little superior, a lot.

That said, the copper TX103's are well short of the best transformer's I've heard, and Nsgarch's old Cotters are not the best either, at least not for use with a ZYX.

The internal transformers in the VAC Renaissance are *almost* as good as the MC stage in the Alaap. Of course the Renaissance sells for twice the price, so that ends the argument of those stepups being an inexpensive solution!

The transformers Frank Schroeder uses gave a prototype Alaap a run for the money, but the MC stage in the Alaap is much improved since then. Going from memory, I'd guess those trannies would not compare today. But they're probably alot less than $5-6K too. Thom Mackris knows what they are if you're interested.

At reference levels however, I agree with Nsgarch, Dan and Raul. No transformer I've heard can match today's best SS MC gain stages.

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Eric,
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The Airy3 is a great cartridge, but it did not do well with the 2.2 in my system. It was not pleasant sounding at all. The 2.2 does not seem to be able to control the Airy3 nearly as well the Tri-Planar was able to do, which the Tri-Planar was able to do beautifully.
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The Airy2 is not near the cartridge that the Airy3 is, but it sounded better on the 2.2 in my system. A UNIverse sounded heavenly on my 2.2, but the UNIverse sounded phenomenally better on a Schroder Reference and a Tri-Planar.
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I am guessing that Doug Deacon will chime in here with his comments about the Airy3 and tonearm match ups from his experience.
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Rgds,
Larry
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