Upcoming Review Update: K&K Audio Premium Step-Up Transformer, PLUS Some Tips on Eliminating Hum in a Phono Rig By Steve Graham A Step-Up Transformer (SUT) is probably the most important and at the same time, least glamourous purchase you’ll ever make if you have a low to very low output moving coil cartridge. Audio reviewers in the know say that a SUT is the preferred way to couple a low-output, and the only way to couple a very low-output moving coil cartridge to a phono preamplifier. I’m not one to argue, at least not for the fun of it, so I’ve borrowed a mid priced, well, a sub-$1,000 dollar unit, to find out. The K&K pictured is $650 US, or $600 as a kit if you wish to solder it up yourself. If you are feeling reckless with your credit rating, you can step it up a notch or three, and get one that has transformers wound with silver wire for $1,500 US! Whichever version you choose, it will sport a pair of well-regarded Lundahl transformers. Some very high-end preamps and phono stages have Lundahl SUTs as standard equipment. The K&K offers easy adjustability to work with a wide variety [...]
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