Step Up Transformer

[Andrei]

I understand that in principle a Step Up Transformer is a good thing. My question though is would it be a useful addition to a Fosgate Signature Phono Stage - that has MC and MM ability

[audio bill]

The Fosgate Signature uses tubes for all gain stages including the additional gain required for low output MC cartridges. If you were to connect a step up transformer to the Fosgate, it would feed the MM input and effectively replace the MC tube gain stage. Step up transformers provide the additional gain required for MC cartridges and have some benefits over active stages. Since they're passive there is no noise created from active circuitry but they can be prone to hum in some setups. There are fans on both sides of the active vs. passive MC gain debate and I tend to prefer active stages although they can be costly when properly implemented. I find that transformer based step ups generally add a veil and a bit of grain to the high frequencies that can be avoided with a high quality active stage. Of course a less than optimal active stage can add all kinds of noise and distortion as well, so like most things in high end audio there are tradeoffs which need to be considered. If you have access to a SUT it's easy to try with an MC cartridge feeding it and have it connected into your Fosgate's MM input. Then you can compare that sound with how it sounds like connected directly into your Fosgate's MC input. That's really the only way to know which you prefer. Like anything else there are very large differences in the quality of SUTs just like with active preamps, so don't assume that if you don't like one you won't like any of them. Hope this helps, and let us know what you decide!

[Forte 4A]

You may want to look at the Cinemag 1254 Budgie SUT. I have this in my Shaker Logic Phono (a small NH company). The results were a dead quiet soundstage. Every SUT is personally inspected by the companies owner. This SUT by the way is also used in the $1995 Rogue Ares phono.