Step up transformer with MT10

[rosiekai]

Anyone have any experience using a step up transformer to get their MT10 to work with a MX150 or similar Mac MM preamp? I was surprised to learn the the MT10 isn't designed to work directly with the MX150.

[Mack]

I am getting ready to purchase a Coincident Statement SUT. MT10 to MX136.

[jdandy]

Originally Posted by rosiekai

Anyone have any experience using a step up transformer to get their MT10 to work with a MX150 or similar Mac MM preamp? I was surprised to learn the the MT10 isn't designed to work directly with the MX150.

rosiekai.......It has nothing to do with the MT10 turntable, and everything to do with the choice of phono cartridge you use. If you want to use a moving coil cartridge with the MX150 you will need to purchase a phono preamplifier. If you select a moving magnet phono cartridge then you won't need a phono preamplifier.

[Mack]

Originally Posted by jdandy

rosiekai.......It has nothing to do with the MT10 turntable, and everything to do with the choice of phono cartridge you use. If you want to use a moving coil cartridge with the MX150 you will need to purchase a phono preamplifier. If you select a moving magnet phono cartridge then you won't need a phono preamplifier.

Why would I want to purchase a phono preamp and not a step up transformer when the MX 150/MX136 already has a phono pre amp and all I am doing is trying to match the MC cartridge to existing pre?

[jdandy]

Mack.......I would want to use a phono stage preamplifier to be able to take advantage of the features provided versus a simple step up transformer. I would want the be able to load my moving coil cartridge resistance as I determine best, adjust gain control, and take advantage of a well designed power supply and amplification stage that ensures extremely low noise. I would want to be able to load my moving magnet phono cartridge capacitance loading to my taste, as well.

I have no need for an outboard phono stage preamplifier because both my C1000P and C1000T preamplifiers have amazing moving coil and moving magnet phono stages designed internally. Also, I am not a user of moving coil phono cartridges for a number of reason, prefering to use a top quality moving magent design, so I would not need a moving coil phono preamp even if I had different preamps.

[Mack]

There is also a debate of MM vs MC cartridges (where it is said - the best MM is on par to the bottom of the line MC).

I guess it's left to one's ear.

[Formerly YB-2]

Originally Posted by Mack

Why would I want to purchase a phono preamp and not a step up transformer when the MX 150/MX136 already has a phono pre amp and all I am doing is trying to match the MC cartridge to existing pre?

You are correct. Only need a step-up x-former. However, if you are going for an expensive cartridge you may wish to go with a comparable phono-preamp to get the best from it.

[BuffaloBill]

Originally Posted by Mack

There is also a debate of MM vs MC cartridges (where it is said - the best MM is on par to the bottom of the line MC).

I guess it's left to one's ear.

Joseph Grado is generally considered to have invented the moving-coil cartridge. Later he designed his current moving-iron cartridge as a superior performer. The Grado web site has an interesting review of the two designs and why Grado found the moving-iron to be better. (Consistent with why Peter Ledermann of Soundsmith prefers the moving-iron over the moving-coil.)

[jdandy]

Originally Posted by Mack

There is also a debate of MM vs MC cartridges (where it is said - the best MM is on par to the bottom of the line MC).

I guess it's left to one's ear.

Mack.......Anyone can say anything, but that doesn't make it true. I have heard many moving coil cartridges that I would not use if given to me, and the same for moving magnet. Both camps offer some excellent performers.

[Mack]

Originally Posted by Formerly YB-2

You are correct. Only need a step-up x-former. However, if you are going for an expensive cartridge you may wish to go with a comparable phono-preamp to get the best from it.

Where would one put the MM phono preamp in the the MX150/MX136 - bad, ok, good, excellent, out of this world?