MC Stepup TransformerT-1000
A monaural structured step-up transformer for high sound quality MC cartridge which draws out the music’s reality and the artist’s passion
Recieved Prizes
Ongen Publisinganalog Grand Prix Gold Award
Ongen PublisingAudio Excellence Bronze Award 2020
SEIBUNDO SHINKOSHA PublishingMJ Technology of the Year 2019
STEREO magazineBest Buy Components 2019 Other Equipment Division 1st
ONGAKU NO TOMO SHA COTP. STEREO magazineBest Buy Components 2022 Analog audio equipment 3rd Place Classic
Product Outline and Concept
A balanced connection of the MC cartridge has been acknowledged by many people who seek high sound quality.
The T-2000 which was released in 2017 had a balanced connection and was highly evaluated as the top MC step-up transformer for outstanding high sound quality and amount of information.
Setting our design technology gained from T-2000 as our basis, we continued to do research on how to enjoy the essence of T-2000 to many people. One answer to that is developing a new step-up transformer of the monaural unit box. We will release the T-1000 that brings about a rich amount of information and high sound quality because there is no sound interference of the left and right.
Main feature
Adopted a tough chassis structure with 2 unit boxes of independent Lch and Rch and completely monaural.
Like the T-2000 which is the top MC step-up transformer, by having it as a monaural unit box separating the Lch and Rch completely, we thoroughly eliminated the sound interference of the left and right.
The front panel has a 10mm thick slant aluminum panel, a 1.2mm thick copper plating board chassis, and a 1.6mm thick copper plating cover. Due to this, we adopted a tough unit box ensuring rigidity. Due to locating the magnetic shield material near the transformer, we brought into effect a deduction of external induction hums and magnetic distortion.
In addition, the transformer is floating from the main unit with a high damping rubber material and prevents the transmission of external noises.
The Input Portion Supporting Balanced Connection
When generating power through a cartridge coil, a balanced operation is conducted essentially.
Transmitting this signal with an unbalanced connection results in not only losing the merit of a balanced
type, but also external noises directly effects the sound quality.
The basis of wiring connections by using a balanced phono cable is shown in Fig. 1.
The signal is transmitted from the cartridge coil to the transformer coil through the push-pull balancing circuit and the
shield earth covers them.
Therefore, the effects caused by external noises can be
blocked. In addition, the full balanced connection (No.2 pin hot) is structured for the cartridge side by connecting the center of the input part of the transformer to the signal GND of the output part.
A general structure of connecting a step-up transformer for MC cartridge to an unbalanced phono cable is shown in Fig. 2.
At the unbalanced connection composed of the signal wire and external shield, the shield side is exposed to the external noises.
Therefore, it results in not only to be easily effected by the noises, but the signal wire also being invaded by the negative effects.
New Development MC Transformer
We adopted our own special divided winding wire structure.
In addition, we are using a high pure copper wire PC Triple-C onto the secondary coil winding and together with a large EI core, we brought into effect an outstanding frequency characteristic and phase characteristic at a wide band.
This achieves outstanding characteristics of excellent linearity for low frequency and high-efficiency gain which reduces phase distortion in the audible band range and brings about a threadlike spatial expression and clearer sound image localization that can fill vitality over the entire range.
Adoption of Parts With High Sound Quality
Rhodium plated terminals of FURUTECH products known for high quality and high sound quality are used for the I/O input terminals.
Heavy metal insulators are adopted for the feet which blocks external vibrations and contributes to the
improvement of the sound resolution
*Caution: The XLR or RCA, only one can be used for the input. If two are used at the same time, it can be the cause for noises to generate.
Product Specification
Best Cartridge's Output Impedance *1 |
1.5 - 40 ohms |
Load Impedance |
47k ohms |
Step-up Ratio ( voltage gain ) |
26dB |
Frequency Response |
10 – 70kHz ( + 3 dB) |
Dimensions |
W: 174 x H: 90 x D: 173 |
Weight |
2.0kg for each Ch |
Input/Output Terminals |
Rhodium plated terminals of FURUTECH |
*1: The cartridge that can be used has an output impedance of 1.5 – 40 ohms.