Meet the MC Step Up Box DS3
True Balanced Step-up Transformer
The output level of Moving Coil (MC) cartridges is significantly lower than that of Moving Magnet (MM) cartridges, being approximately 10 times lower. Consequently, a special phono amplifier is required to utilise the signals effectively.
This higher gain, however, can lead to increased noise levels and distortion. The MC Step Up Box S3 offers a solution to this issue. It works very differently from a phono preamplifier. The windings ratio of the transformer determines the gain factor. As it’s a passive device that doesn’t require a power supply, no additional power can be produced. The increase in voltage is achieved by a corresponding decrease in current.
As there is no amplification, the MC Step-Up Box DS3 B is remarkably low in noise & distortion with a lively, dynamic & natural sonic signature.
Lively, dynamic & natural
The MC Step Up Box DS3 B works very differently compared to a phono preamplifier. The windings ratio of the transformer determines the gain factor. As it works completely passive and no external power is needed, no extra power can be produced. The increase in voltage is achieved by a corresponding decrease in current.
As there is no amplification, the MC Step Up Box DS3 B has a remarkable noise performance and a very low level of distortion. The sound with a Step-Up Transformer will be more lively, dynamic and natural.
Lundahl LL 1678 - Balanced In/Out
For the MC Step Up Box DS3 B ProJect have used high quality Lundahl LL 1678 audio transformers to ensure every detail remains. You can set the transformer ratio (gain) with a push of a button either on 24dB or 30dB.
Use the single-ended RCA, or go balanced with the XLR in- and outputs and benefit from a low noise interference free signal transmission. Switch the in- and outputs via the push buttons on the front.
Why Use a Step-Up Transformer?
Once upon a time, step-up transformers were all but required for the optimal handling of a low output MC cartridge’s signal. Active amplification technology was simply too noisy back then (defeating the purpose of the low output design). A step-up transformer removes active amplification from the equation & passively boosts the signal the old-fashioned way. Operating entirely apart from mains power, it’s an opportunity to silently add 24 or 30dB, which amounts to an output that’s comparable to MM cartridges (this is why a step-up transformer’s output is connected to an MM phono preamp input). Needless to say, modern active amplification has improved by leaps & bounds. MC phono preamps can apply all the necessary gain without inducing excessive noise levels… yet there remains a niche population of critical listeners who continue to swear by the performance of the step-up transformer. It’s just a different approach that, pending your low output cartridge and MM preamp, may be just what you’re after!
Designed & Handmade in Europe
The Step-Up Box DS3 B is carefully designed and handmade in Europe. ProJect Engineers goal was to develop a technically flawless device in a housing that is only as big as necessary. Due to the timeless design & rigid aluminium chassis, the MC Step-Up Box DS3 B is built to last an eternity.
With high-quality materials and components and a well-thought-out design, ProJect brings the concept of MC step-up transformers back into the conversation.
Product Features
- Enjoy your MC cartridge with an MM phono preamp
- Lundahl LL1678 high-quality audio transformer
- Balanced inputs and outputs
- Fully passive signal path (no power supply!)
- 1:16 or 1:32 selectable transformer ratio
- Superior sound quality
- Transformer with Mu-metal shielding
- Dual-mono design principle
- Ultra-low noise
- High channel separation
- Gold-plated RCA terminals
- Solid aluminium chassis shields RF/EMI
Technical Specifications
Frequency response
10Hz - 55kHz: +/- 1dB
Gain at 10-40 ohm
21dB at 1kHz
Gain at 40-150 ohm
24dB at 1kHz
Recommended load
47 kOhm / 100pF
Input MC
1x pair RCA phono sockets, XLR
Output
1x pair RCA phono sockets, XLR
Dimensions (W x H x D)
206 x 79 x 197 (209 with sockets) mm
Weight
1.740 kg
Warranty
ProJect Audio turntables and electronics are covered by a 2 year warranty.
Speakers are covered by a 5 year warranty and Vacuum tubes used within components (such as the Tube Box S2) are covered for 90 days; all from date of purchase.
