{"product_id":"astro-mc-999vipla-mc-step-up-transformer-hm3","title":"ASTOR MC-999VIPLA MC cartridge step-up transformer","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"post-shipping-info\"\u003e\n\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e \u003cspan\u003eThis is a special sale item that is only available in stock. There is some paint peeling off in one corner. The rest of the exterior is mostly finished in beautiful piano black. Since it is difficult to maintain the brand, there is no manufacturer warranty or manufacturer repair, but we do offer a six-month warranty at our store.\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"products-eyecatch\"\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eIt receives weak MC signals with an overwhelming amount of material.\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eA heavy-duty MC transformer that brings out the boost performance of HM-3 with oxygen-free copper and a thorough anti-vibration structure.\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"products-desc-title\"\u003eDescription\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: start;\"\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHeavy class MC step-up transformer equipped with Hashimoto Electric HM-3\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMC-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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe biggest feature of this machine is the amount of material that sets it apart from general MC step-up transformers. Actual size is W190(\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003eThe 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0612\/9139\/7377\/files\/tr02.jpg?v=1787568236\" alt=\"\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHeavy-duty case made mainly of oxygen-free copper\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eConsidering 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBecause 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSimple signal path with oxygen-free copper wire\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOxygen-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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSome 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eInternal vibration damping and high rigidity structure\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFor 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFURUTECH rhodium-plated RCA terminals\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0612\/9139\/7377\/files\/IMG_5358.jpg?v=1787568236\" alt=\"\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThe power and density provided by the HM-3.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eUnlike 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePiano Black Finish and Appearance\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe exterior features a glossy piano black finish. Overall, it remains in clean condition, but there is one spot with paint peeling on the corner.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0612\/9139\/7377\/files\/IMG_5364.jpg?v=1787569061\" alt=\"\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePlease 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"products-desc-title\"\u003eSpec\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003ctable class=\"table-spec\"\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth scope=\"row\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eProduct Model Number\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eMC-999VIPLA\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth scope=\"row\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eform\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eStep-Up Transformer for MC Cartridges\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth scope=\"row\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eInstalled transformers\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eHashimoto Electric HM-3\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth scope=\"row\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eBoost Ratio \/ Gain\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eHIGH: 20x \/ 26dB, LOW: 40x \/ 32dB\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth scope=\"row\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eSupported Impedance\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eHIGH：12Ω、LOW：3Ω\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth scope=\"row\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003einput impedance\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e12Ω（7Ω〜40Ω）、3Ω（2Ω〜7Ω）\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth scope=\"row\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eload impedance\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e47kΩ\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth scope=\"row\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eInput\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eRCA input: 1 line\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth scope=\"row\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eexert effort\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eRCA output: 1 line\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth scope=\"row\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eGND terminal\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eEquipped with high-quality GND terminals\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth scope=\"row\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003efrequency response\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e15Hz〜100kHz \/ -1dB\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth scope=\"row\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003einsertion loss\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e1.5dB\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth scope=\"row\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eseparation\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e93dB\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth scope=\"row\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eSize\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eW190 × D160 × H120mm \/ Measured\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth scope=\"row\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eWeight\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e17kg \/ Measured\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth scope=\"row\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003efront panel\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eoxygen-free copper\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth scope=\"row\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eCase\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eHeavyweight cases mainly made of oxygen-free copper\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth scope=\"row\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eInternal Structure\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eUses oxygen-free copper \/ Internal vibration reduction treatment\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth scope=\"row\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003ewiring material\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eoxygen-free copper wire\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth scope=\"row\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eleg section\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eOxygen-free copper cutting\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth scope=\"row\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003einput\/output terminal\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eFURUTECH rhodium plated RCA terminal\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth scope=\"row\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eexterior\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003ePiano black finish \/ one corner has peeling paint\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth scope=\"row\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eGuarantee\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eNo manufacturer warranty \/ Our store half-year warranty\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"products-desc-title\"\u003eReview\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: start;\"\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSound quality trends seen from design\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHM-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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOn 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"ASTOR\/アストロ電子企画","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":50220469125377,"sku":"MC-999VIPLA","price":514800.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0612\/9139\/7377\/files\/tr03.jpg?v=1787568236","url":"https:\/\/exclusive-audio.jp\/en\/products\/astro-mc-999vipla-mc-step-up-transformer-hm3","provider":"ExAUDIO","version":"1.0","type":"link"}