The front panel is a rigid box structure having a 10mm thick slanted aluminum panel, a 1.2mm thick copper plating board chassis and a 1.2mm thick copper plating cover. Non-magnetic stainless steel screws are used for assembly to ensure rigidity and reduce magnetic distortion.
Ⅱ. MC step-up transformer due to a special split winding structure developed by us.
We adopted our original divided winding wire structure. By winding a low-loss ultra-thick copper wire around a large EI core made of a 0.2mm thick 78% permalloy material, 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.
Ⅲ. Loaded with an MM/MC changing switch
An MM and MC changing switch is located on the front panel which makes it more useful.
*1: The cartridge that can be used has an output impedance of 1.5 – 40 ohms.
Having played two MC cartridges (Ortofon SPU GE mk2 & Audio Technica AT33PTG mk2) through an EAR Phonobox MC section, the sound was good but lacking in fullness. When time allowed I decided to do some research primarily about Step-up Transformers currently available in the UK that had a proven track record of improving the playback of an SPU. That said I still wished to use my turntable for MM cartridges so any Step-Up transformer had to have a "Pass" feature, to avoid the chore of unplugging and replugging cables. Given the features sought, the Phasemation T-320 (made in Japan) seemed to provide the best solution. So how does it sound...well I listened to Kate Bush's first album "Kick Inside" with Spacedeck 294, via AT-33PTG mk2->T-320->Phonobox MM input. The rendition via the T320 provided a depth to that album's sound that I never knew existed.Furthermore, a new, but poorly recorded 1971 radio concert of the band Free was rendered listenable by the softer sound imparted by the T320. If I had known before how a SUT would enhance a MC cartridge, and had the budget (!), I might have bought the Phasemation balanced T-550 instead, and used my integrated amp's MM phono stage for MM cartridges. However, a T-550 would have also necessitated the purchase of a new Balanced phono input cable - as well as the SUT. All in all the T-320 has met expectations, but if one's budget the balanced T-550, would provide even better channel separation and therefore improved 3-D soundstaging. I trust the above will be of benefit to anyone interested in trying out a Step-Up transformer. In conclusion, the T-320, has successfully complimented the system into which it was installed and improved my enjoyment of LPs, even those now 50 years old, which of course was the ultimate objective!Customer Service from Martin at Analogue Seduction was excellent as always, "thank you!"
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Phasemation T-1000 Monoaural MC Step-Up Transformer£3,495.00
Phasemation T-2000 Monoaural MC Step-Up Transformer£9,950.00
Phasemation T-550 MC Step-Up Transformer£945.00
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