A New/Old Way to Upgrade Your MC
Low output MC moving coil phono cartridges send an output that’s about a tenth the output of MM moving magnet phono cartridges. This means they require a specialty phono preamp with more gain and different electrical parameters – unless you add a step-up transformer to prep the signal for your MM phono stage.
The Pro-Ject MC Step-Up Box DS3 B works very differently from a phono preamplifier. The windings ratio of the transformer determines the gain factor. Because it’s a passive device that doesn’t require a power supply, no additional power can be produced. The increase in voltage is achieved by a corresponding decrease in current.
Since there is no amplification, the MC Step-Up Box DS3 B is remarkably low in noise and distortion with a lively, dynamic and natural sonic signature.
Lundahl LL 1678 Transformer – Balanced Capability
For the MC Step Up Box DS3 B, Pro-Ject uses high quality Lundahl LL 1678 audio transformers to ensure that all musical detail passes through.
You can set the transformer ratio with a push of a button on the back panel. Use single-ended RCA or go balanced with the XLR input and output to benefit from low-noise, interference-free signal transmission. Select the input and output with the buttons on the front. Additionally, you can adjust the gain level at 24 or 30dB.
Why Use a Step-Up Transformer?
Once upon a time, step-up transformers were all but required for the optimal handling of a low output MC cartridge’s signal. Active amplification technology was simply too noisy back then, defeating the purpose of the low output design.
A step-up transformer removes active amplification from the equation and passively boosts the signal the old-fashioned way. Operating entirely apart from mains power, it’s an opportunity to silently add 24 or 30dB, which amounts to an output that’s comparable to MM cartridges (this is why a step-up transformer’s output is connected to an MM phono preamp input).
Needless to say, modern active amplification has improved by leaps and bounds. MC phono preamps can apply all the necessary gain without inducing excessive noise levels. However, critical listeners swear by the performance of the step-up transformer. It’s just a different approach that may be just what you’re after.
Designed and Handmade in Europe
The Step-Up Box DS3 B is carefully designed and handmade in Europe. Our goal is to develop a technically flawless device in a housing that is only as big as necessary. Due to the timeless design & rigid aluminum chassis, the MC Step-Up Box DS3 B is built to last an eternity.
With high-quality materials and components and a well-thought-out design, Pro-Ject brings the concept of MC step-up transformers back into the conversation.