Before we talk about MC step-up transformers, let's first talk about how to listen to basic records. When listening to a record on a turntable (record player), the record needle is used to convert the sound information engraved in the groove of the record disc into a music signal and play it back.
In general, the preamp of a pre-main amplifier or separate amplifier has a dedicated PHONO (phono equalizer) input for listening to records. You will listen to music by connecting the output terminal from the record player to this phono input.
There are two main types of record cartridges (record needles): MM (moving magnet type) and MC (moving coil type), depending on the power generation method used to convert the sound of the record into an electrical signal.
In the days when records were common in homes, record needles were generally MM-shaped. The MM type, which has a high output voltage and is easy to handle, can be connected directly to an amplifier with a phono input to enjoy listening to records. Therefore, there are many MM types that are inexpensive and durable.
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The other type of MC (moving coil) cartridge is more complex in structure than the MM cartridge and requires a higher degree of precision. The sound response is good, the frequency range is wide, and the sound is attractive. In general, it has the image of an "expensive and high-performance" MC cartridge, and it is mainly in the mid-to-high-end product class. In fact, MC-type cartridges are overwhelmingly used by audiophiles, and there is a wide range of products.
Due to its structure, the output voltage of the MC type is lower than that of the MM type, and the output is less than 1/10 of that of the MM type, and it is only about 0.1~0.3mV.
Therefore, even if you put it in the phono input of the amplifier as it is, the volume is too low to use. Therefore, in order to raise the output voltage to the MM-type level without degrading the sound quality level, a step-up transformer or head amplifier is required.
Since it is dedicated to MC cartridges, it is also called an "MC transformer" or "MC head amplifier".
Click here for the product page of step-up transformers.
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Boost transformers are more widely used than head amplifiers. There is a wide variety of product groups, various designs such as shapes and sizes, and the prices are also very good. The boost ratio differs depending on the winding ratio of the transformer, and the input impedance is also divided into two types: HIGH and LOW. Since the mechanism is simple, the difference in the performance and structure of the core and winding materials greatly affect the sound, but each has its own personality and is characterized by a direct and powerful reproduced sound.
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On the other hand, a head amplifier uses an amplifying element (semiconductor, etc.) to electronically enlarge the input signal, so it needs to be supplied with power. In terms of sound quality, it seems that many of them are flat and wide-range.
Boost transformers are noise-resistant and have excellent stability because they do not have a power supply, but depending on the installation environment, noise will be emitted due to external influences, and if the ground wire is not connected correctly, it will make a hum sound, so be careful. On the other hand, some head amplifiers may need to be suppressed from noise around the power supply due to the flow of current.
When choosing a step-up transformer, there are two main types of MC cartridges: low-impedance and high-impedance cartridges, so choose a step-up transformer that matches the impedance as much as possible.
Click here for the product page of phono equalizers.
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In addition to the phono equalizer built into the preamplifier and the pre-main amplifier, there are also stand-alone phono equalizer amplifiers. Depending on the product, there is a wide range of models, such as those with only MM inputs, MC-compatible models with built-in step-up transformers, and equalizers that use a large current output to amplify ideal for MC cartridges, so you can choose the combination and model that suits your preference.
