Arm and MC transformer to match ZYX Air3 cartridge

In this day and age of truly magnificent high gain, low noise phono preamplifiers, I can't for the life of me understand why anyone would want to compromise the ultra-refined performance of an expensive low output MC cartridge by running its output through a step up transformer -- of even the highest quality. Sorry guys, I just don't get it -- it's like, "Why bother?"

And I'm not prejudiced. I used to use a Mitchell Cotter myself, but that was 1985! So have at me if you like, but IMO, they represent a giant step backward.
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" this day and age of truly magnificent high gain, low noise phono preamplifiers"

which ones are you referring to?

There are many, Plinko. But to get right to the heart of what Nsgarch is talking about, I would say to look for phono stages with FET high gain stages instead of transformers or tubes. Transformers are going to filter out dynamics and tubes can do the same but mostly they are just plain noisy in high gain circuits. That's not to say that tube phono stages in general are bad. There is just so much better resolution with a properly designed SS gain circuit for LO MCs.

Eric, which Airy are you getting the L (.24mV) or the H (.48mV)?

Also remember, ZYX is one of a few manufacturers that spec their carts using the JVC test record. So when considering whether various phono preamps have enough gain, you need to convert to the more standard CBS test standard and multiply the JVC numbers by a factor of 1.6, which in the case of the Airy 3 would be either .38mV or .76mV depending on which version you get.

That said, if you prefer tubes (and you might, considering the Chord is all ss), there are some very fine tube units which will work at either of those output voltages, Audio Research and Aesthetix to name just two.

Like Dan, I prefer a ss unit (even though that makes my whole system ss) but it's a very special phono preamp, so I'm probably not a good example. I think what Dan is saying is that you'll get more performance/dollar in a ss unit. For synergy, Chord makes a wonderful ss phono preamp, the Symphonic, but Im sure it's expensive.

If you're willing to use one of the good high output moving coil carts from van den Hul or Sumiko, you could go directly into the Chord's MM phono input. That would still give you better sound than using a step up transformer IMO.

Almost, Neal. I do prefer a SS gain stage for MC over a tube or tranny. My Alaap phono (by Nick Doshi)has just such a circuit, but the rest of the unit is tubes as is the Alaap preamp.

I'm going on what I've heard and what I can remember from cmos design back in college. Point is that these IC chips, especially true these days, are much better at amplifying all of the micro details in the LO MC circuits. Even the very best of transformers cannot faithfully induce the entire signal from the input coil to the output coil. That is why I believe I hear so much more from my LP's even with the same Benz Glider I've been using for some time now.

I did not hear these micro-dynamics and nuances with the same arm/cart/table back when I was using the Aesthetix Calypso and Rhea, which has all tube gain stages. Although Aesthetix makes very good tube components. I've not heard an IO so I can't say if the gain stages in that model are closer to what I'm getting now.

In any case, I believe that K&K as well as Hagerman are now offering phono stages with SS input gain stages. But as with everything audio, folks should decide on the whole presentation and not just the tech specs.