ASTOR MC-999VIPLA MC cartridge step-up transformer

Heavy class MC step-up transformer equipped with Hashimoto Electric HM-3

MC-999VIPLA isASTORThis is a step-up transformer for MC cartridges made by. The installed transformer is Hashimoto Electric's HM-3.It is an MC transformer that supports input impedance of 12Ω/3Ω, has a step-up ratio of 20x/40x, and a gain of 26dB/32dB.

The biggest feature of this machine is the amount of material that sets it apart from general MC step-up transformers. Actual size is W190(The case width is 170mm) × D160 × H120mm, and the actual weight is 17kg. It is surprisingly heavy for a device of this size, and has an extremely luxurious construction, including not only the transformer itself, but also the case, internal structure, terminals, legs, and wiring materials.

The exterior is finished with a glossy piano black coating. The front panel features an oxygen-free copper panel, and the legs feature machined oxygen-free copper insulators. It combines a luxurious appearance and a solid structure backed by metal mass.ASTORIt is a model with a unique presence.

Heavy-duty case made mainly of oxygen-free copper

This machine uses a heavy-duty case mainly made of oxygen-free copper. Copper metal can be seen from the peeled paint on the corners, and judging from the actual weight of 17kg, it is hard to explain in a normal aluminum case.

Considering that lower-end models of similar size weigh around 5 kg, this machine's weight of 17 kg strongly indicates that a large amount of oxygen-free copper has been used in the case and internal structure. It is not just an exterior case, but a structure that incorporates the housing itself as a sound quality component.

Because MC transformers handle extremely weak signals, the rigidity of the chassis, the stability of the terminals, grounding treatment, wiring materials, and vibration-damping structure greatly affect the sound. This unit is designed with a structure that makes extensive use of oxygen-free copper, prioritizing the purity of the signal, the stability of the sound image, and the quietness of the background.

Simple signal path with oxygen-free copper wire

Oxygen-free copper wire is used for the internal wiring.ASTORBased on the concept of air wiring, seen in higher-end models, where copper wires are neatly routed, it connects terminals, transformers, and grounding efficiently without waste.

Some related models have dials or complex wiring for impedance and gain switching, but this unit features a simple design with no unnecessary controls. By keeping the signal path short and straightforward, it aims to transfer the delicate information of an MC cartridge to the transformer as faithfully as possible.

Internal vibration damping and high rigidity structure

The interior is treated for vibration damping. In addition to a heavyweight case primarily made of oxygen-free copper, damping materials are applied on the inside to suppress unwanted vibrations and cabinet resonance.

For passive devices without active circuits, not only the quality of the components themselves but also chassis resonance, terminal stability, and internal wiring stability affect the sound. This unit features a design where the transformer, terminals, wiring, chassis, and vibration-damping treatment are considered as an integrated, material-intensive system.

FURUTECH rhodium-plated RCA terminals

The input/output terminals use FURUTECH rhodium-plated RCA connectors. For step-up transformers handling weak MC signals, the terminal material, contact stability, and plating quality are very important factors.

In addition to the high durability and contact quality unique to rhodium plating, the luxurious part configuration reflects the precise knurling and non-magnetic treatment concepts seen in high-end FURUTECH terminals.

The rear panel is equipped with RIGHT/LEFT INPUT/OUTPUT and GND terminals. The terminal configuration is designed with consideration for connections and grounding between the tonearm, cartridge, and phono equalizer.

The power and density provided by the HM-3.

The Hashimoto Electric HM-3 is an MC transformer with a high step-up ratio of 20x and 40x. It easily secures sufficient gain for low-output MC cartridges and features characteristics that make it easier to extract sound, density, and a sense of presence.

Unlike the wide-range upper transformers like the HM-7, the HM-3 offers a clearer gain feel and the power to firmly lift low-impedance MCs. In this machine, the HM-3 is housed in a heavy-duty 17kg oxygen-free copper case, combining the transformer's inherent power with the quietness and stability of the enclosure.

Piano Black Finish and Appearance

The exterior features a glossy piano black finish. Overall, it remains in clean condition, but there is one spot with paint peeling on the corner.

Please check the product photos for the relevant sections. While not suitable for those seeking a completely new exterior, aside from paint peeling, it is generally in good condition. This rare MC step-up transformer is available only in stock, featuring the Hashimoto Electric HM-3, oxygen-free copper heavyweight case, FURUTECH rhodium-plated RCA terminals, and oxygen-free copper machined legs.

Sound quality trends seen from design

The MC-999VIPLA is an extremely bulky MC step-up transformer that houses the Hashimoto Electric HM-3 in a 17kg oxygen-free copper heavyweight case. With an oxygen-free copper front panel, internal structure mainly made of oxygen-free copper, oxygen-free copper wire, rhodium-plated RCA terminals made by FURUTECH, machined oxygen-free copper legs, and anti-vibration treatment, this MC transformer handles weak signals.

HM-3 is a transformer with a high step-up ratio of 20x/40x. It firmly lifts low-output MC cartridges and has the characteristics of sound contour, density, and direction that makes it easy to extrude. When combined with a low impedance MC, you can expect the natural rise and rich analog playback that only a transformer booster can provide.

On the other hand, this machine is not just a product that houses an HM-3 in a case. Despite its compact size of W190 x D160 x H120mm, the actual weight of 17kg means that the casing itself has great significance. It has a structure that quietly receives weak signals, including the case, legs, terminals, wiring, ground, and anti-vibration treatment.

The exterior has some peeling paint on one corner, but otherwise maintains a beautiful piano black finish. than the integrity of appearance,ASTORThis is a rare MC step-up transformer that is only available in stock, and is suitable for those who value a unique heavy-duty design and sound quality.