Aurorasound AFE-12: Compact step-up transformer for MC cartridges

The Japanese company Aurora ‘s ound announced that the new compact step-up transformer for MC cartridges – AFE -12 , presented in June at the OTOTEN 2023 exhibition , has already gone on sale in Japan at a recommended retail price of 77,000 yen , which is approximately $500 at the current exchange rate.

The AFE-12 transformer allows you to connect moving coil (MC) cartridges to phono stages designed to work with MM cartridges. The new product is based on transformers from the famous Swedish brand Lundahl.

The Aurorasound AFE-12 transformer allows you to change the input impedance to match different cartridges. There are three levels: low (0.7 – 10 Ohms), medium (11 – 30 Ohms) and high (31 – 100 Ohms). The setting is made using a toggle switch on the top panel of the transformer.

The new product is housed in a durable aluminum case, and the vertical layout will save space during installation. The manufacturer notes that the internal cavity of the case is completely filled with pure cotton to reduce vibrations.

Main technical characteristics of the step-up transformer Aurorasound AFE-12:

• Input: unbalanced on RCA connectors
• Output: unbalanced on RCA connectors
• Impedance adjustment: 3 levels High/Low/Medium
• Gain: 26 dB
• Frequency response: 20 Hz – 50 kHz (–3 dB)
• Dimensions (W x H x D): 70 x 95 x 30 mm
• Weight: 244 g.