Austrian company Pro-Ject has introduced two new step-up transformers for moving coil (MC) cartridges – MC Step Up Box DS 3 B and MC Step Up Box S 3 . Both new products are completely passive devices and are designed to increase the output voltage of moving coil cartridges to a level comparable to moving magnet heads.
Pro-Ject MC Step Up Box DS3 B
The use of a transformer provides a simpler signal path than a traditional active circuit and is said to provide cleaner sound.
According to the manufacturer, the Pro-Ject MC Step Up Box DS3 B transformer is more suitable for balanced connection of players and uses Lundahl LL1678 transformers. The transformer offers both unbalanced inputs and outputs on RCA connectors and balanced on XLR, and also allows you to select the transformation ratio depending on the required gain level.
MC Step Up Box S3
The Pro-Ject MC Step Up Box S3 transformer is designed for vinyl enthusiasts who want to add MC head compatibility to an integrated amplifier’s built-in MM phono stage. It has a fixed turn ratio of 1:16, which is suitable for a wide range of pickups, and features unbalanced RCA input and output.
The new Pro-Ject MC transformers will go on sale at the end of November. The MC Step Up Box DS3 B is available for €899 or US$1,099 . The Pro-Ject MC Step Up Box S3 transformer will cost €449 or $549 .