MC Step-up Transformer Comparison Test (Revealed Ed.)

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Power Amplifier: DIYMania MPOWER *DIY
Pre Amplifier : DIYMania MPRE (full discrete preamplifier) *DIY
Turntable : Yamaha GT-2000
Cartridge : Hana MC ML
Phono : 2017 Full Discrete Buffer Stage Phono (unofficial) *DIY
Speaker : JBL4310WX
Recoding : ZOOM H6 with internal microphone
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* The following five MC Step-up Transformers have been tested:
1) Cotter MK2, 2) Cotter MK2L, 3) Peerless 4629, 4) FR XG-7, 5) Antiphone

* Play sequence
00:16 No.1, Cotter MK2
01:44. No.2, Cotter MK2L
03:10 No.3, Antiphon
04:41 No.4, Peerless 4629
06:09 No.5, FR XG-7
07:37 Test Results

[smoothplatex]

Thank you for taking the time to put this comparison together for us. I love the Peerless SUT.

[jsmctch]

That Peerless sounded fuller and richer while maintaining clarity and transparency. Very nice

[chadbutler]

Your Channel is the Best! Highest Quality Sound and Video presentations!

[mengudenizhan]

Peerless sounded livelier, wide sound stage. For me No.1 is Peerless. No.2 is Mitch Cotter MK2L it is a good SUT too but I hear some treble distortion may be it is too powerful for the cartridge I don't know.

[RonRivet]

I`m new to all this MC and step up transformer world. I have an Audio Research SP14 with an excellent onboard MM tube phono stage and I`ve since moved from MM to MC with my Ania Pro cart. I am wondering if these would help with gain but not colour the sound of my well liked AR SP14?

[nickdemayo]

Thanks for doing this. Since the Antiphon had lower volume than the others, did it sound better when turned up?

[frankgeeraerts]

Peerless is the least nuanced and lacking equilibrium Cotters are the finest sounding and most