Either a good step-up transformer or an exceptional active gain stage.

Almost nothing does a better job of taking extraordinarily small signals from a moving coil cartridge and amplifying them than a step-up transformer, with maybe one exception, which we will get to.

A Perfect Match

Technically there’s a bit to know, but step-up transformers are great because they are completely passive, require no power and have no electronic or moving parts to degrade sonics or add noise. They match the impedance of the cartridge to the input impedance of the next stage almost perfectly. They can also be chosen to provide a precise level of gain to suit the cartridge and following electronics.

These virtues combine to reveal a level of micro-dynamic detail and resolution you may have thought didn’t exist until auditioning a good step-up transformer in a high-resolution system. When I got my first transformer, a Fidelity Research FRT-3, in 2005, I was amazed. Moving to an end-game Fidelity Research XF-1 after some very good advice from a friend and colleague was the game changer for me, and I’ve used, recommended and supplied many transformers since.

Some of the best phono preamplifiers, such as the Cayin Phono 1 I owned for a while, use transformers for their moving coil gain stages because they offer the best performance and lowest noise for sensible money.

Alternatives

Whilst good step-up transformers are ideal for most people in most cases, there are a few cases where alternatives should be considered. If you have or have access to an ‘S-tier’ all-active phono preamp, it’s worth comparing it to the best transformers. I recently acquired an S-tier Accuphase preamplifier containing a phono preamplifier that is so good it surpasses my various step-up transformers in terms of performance.

Mind you, my Accuphase preamp cost as much as a car when it was new and many thousands of dollars even now, 30 years later. I had to find it and import it, there were many risks and costs involved and it’s all just too hard for most people, which I understand.

That’s why in many systems, and for many people, a really good step-up transformer is a great option, especially for those people who already own a good MM phono pre. But, if you can afford an Accuphase C-47 phono preamplifier, or an Accuphase C-280V or C-290 for example, this will be the best way forward.

Knowledge

Real knowledge and hands-on experience with step-up transformers and top-tier active phono preamps are scarce, something of a lost art or one that some never acquired. Most people have never even seen a step-up transformer, let alone owned several of them. And how many can say they’ve owned a Luxman C-03, Perreaux SM-2, Cayin Phono 1, Accuphase C-202, C-280V and C-290, as I have?! This depth of experience is almost unheard of.

Some have a little more familiarity with active equipment, but generally only with new gear they are selling, a lot of which sadly is junk. These days, many discover the almost mythic status of older equipment through resources like mine, only to hit their favourite hi-fi store to ask about them and be met with blank stares!

I offer advice to customers who are looking to purchase something through me, or who wish to utilise our advisory service. The customer who purchased this beautiful Ortofon ST-70 step-up transformer, for example, borrowed one of my transformers before I ordered the ST-70 for him. Likewise, I can offer listening and/or advice on the best active gain stages I’ve used and owned.

Transformer Considerations

The pros:

• Lowest noise when partnered with low-noise MM phono preamp
• Exceptional resolution, micro-dynamic detail retrieval and relaxed presentation
• No parts to wear out, near 100% reliability, forever

The cons:

• Good new transformers are expensive, many of the best transformers are from the 1970s and 1980s
• They require careful matching and are generally only suited to a particular narrow range of cartridge impedance
• Needs a really good MM phono preamp, adding to the cost

Active Phono Preamp Considerations

The pros:

• Potentially the very best performance of all, but only at the real high-end
• The best options have great matching capabilities to suit a range of carts

The cons:

• The most expensive for the level of performance that matches or exceeds good transformers
• Electronics can and do fail, active preamps are not as reliable and will need maintenance
• Affordable (sub $2K) active gain stages tend to sound very ordinary