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Koetsu step up transformer - who knows about it?

I used a Koetsu step up transformer back in the 80's w/ my Koetsu Black. Then I went all-digital until about 6 months ago, when I re-habbed my Linn and bought a new Koetsu Black. And not long ago, I came across my old Koetsu transformer, unused for some 17 years.

I hooked it up last night (using an EAR 834P phono pre, in MM setting). The sound was interesting, and sort of good. I played a couple of Lps that previously sounded kind of edgy to me (an EMI Barbirolli Vaughan Williams for one). They now sounded more full, and almost dark. In fact, as I was first listening to it, it sounded so dark I thought there was something wrong with it, and tried some different Lps. I think in theory it shouldn't need any warm up, but it seemed to sound better after it had been in use for a bit. (Sure, it could be pure psychology...)

I saw a similar Koetsu transformer listed on Audiogon a few months ago for $2K. Seemed kind of high to me, but maybe I don't realize what I have. Maybe systems sounded a lot different 20 years ago.

So who knows about these, and who can tell me what they're supposed to sound like, and if what I seem to be hearing is what is supposed to be there, or if something like this would go bad after this many years...is there any upkeep that should be performed, etc.?

Many thanks
eweedhome
xronx
55 posts
 
Hi...

theres not much information to find about these exotica. The price of the actual unit is >3000,- $ or Euro. I have one of the very very rare, earliest model (with some more japanes letters on front the the actual model (it says Musashino Sound Institute in Japanese)). The older models use Alnico instead of permalloy I've hear. The newer ones also don't have custom wound transformers as the older ones, instead they have OEM ones from some manufacturer. There should be something like 3 different models. But this is just what I've heard.

Some people say theyre no very good transformers and therefore overprized. BUT I think at least the older ones are very fine and well balanced step up transformers. I use several others like Audio Note/Kondo An-S6c, Auditorium 23 T1, Jensen 346, Denon Au-S1, Kiseki MCT2...compared to the best I know the Koetsu step up I have is comparable in musical satisfaction...if not the most analytical or neutral. here we are talking about "tone" and the Koetsu step up fits wonderful synergetically with a Rosewood for instance.

I heard my Koetsu step up with a Rosewood vs. my Audio Note S6 with Audio Note Io Gold in a friends system. To be true I liked the Koetsu combination more. But both played on a very high level.

i would keep the step up and would get a actual Koetsu since these will yield high musical satisfaction.
mepearson
100 posts
 
I agree with the statement that no mc tranformers sound worth a damn. I personally wouldn't give you $.02 for any of them. If you want to read one of the best articles I think was ever written on the sound of step-up devices, get the copy of TAS where David Wilson wrote the definitive article (this was before he acheived fame and fortune as the Wilson Audio company). I agree with David Wilson 100% Transformers rob the life out of the music. They dumb it down. If you want to use a low output mc cartridge and you want the sound to resemble live music, you need an active device. I have a Counterpoint SA-2 pre-preamp which is all tubes including the rectification and voltage regulation. If people knew how good these sounded, they would be selling for $10K in this wacky hobby. As it is, they rarely come up for sale and they are a steal at whatever price is being asked.
eweedhome OP
227 posts
 
Xronx - Many thanks for your thoughtful response. In fact, my Koetsu transformer is apparently similar to yours--there are Asian (I assume Japanese) characters on the front (two of them, one above the other). And, of course, it is from that vintage.

The more I listen to it, the more I respect and enjoy it. I have been using a Rhea phono stage, about which I have mixed feelings, and I just sent it in to Steve Huntley at Great Northern Sound to modify...which is in part why I happened to be looking around at my other gear and decided to try out the rediscovered Koetsu transformer. And, I should be clear (in response to your last comment)--I am using a Koetsu Black cartridge. Perhaps at some later point I will move up to a Rosewood. But the Black is very pleasant.

With respect to Mr. Wilson's reported comments about transformers "dumbing down" the music, I just don't what to say. What I'm hearing is definitely music, and it's rather sweet and alive. But everyone's ears focus on different things. And, I don't care for the man's speakers (based on the few times I've heard them). So I guess we're looking for something different in the reproduction of recorded sound.
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