To complement its range of preamplifiers, Pro-Ject offers a high-end solution for owners of MM input and low-level MC cartridges by adding the Pro-Ject Step Up Box S3 MC transformer.
MC TRANSFORMER PRO-JECT STEP UP BOX S3: DESIGN
The Pro-Ject Step Up Box S3 transformer is housed in a beautiful all-aluminum case. Its front and back panels are made of natural or black anodized aluminum.
This transformer is shielded and immune to electromagnetic interference.
On top of the case, the left and right coils protrude from each side of the mu-metal case. On the back of the case, there are two pairs of gold-plated RCA connectors (inputs and outputs) and an impedance selector.
MC TRANSFORMER PRO-JECT STEP UP BOX S3: COILS
Of course, the Pro-Ject Step Up Box S3 is double mono. It is equipped with two transformers specially manufactured by Pro-Ject. The peculiarity of these transformers is that they are wound with two different windings with a ratio of 1:16.
This allows for a choice of impedance. A selector on the back of the device allows you to choose between 10-40 ohms and 40-150 ohms. This offers a gain of 21 dB in the first case, and 24 dB in the second. The announced bandwidth of 10 Hz to 55 KHz is remarkable, especially at +/- 1 dB!
The internal wiring has been optimized to be as short as possible from the inputs and outputs. A Step-Up works completely passively and does not require any external power supply.
MC PRO-JECT STEP UP BOX S3: TEST AND LISTENING
The output level of low-level MC cartridges is very low, generally more than 10 times lower than an MM (Moving Magnet) cartridge. This requires the use of a specific phono preamplifier with a minimum gain of 60 dB.
However, if you have an excellent MM phono preamplifier, it is strongly recommended to pair it with an MC transformer if you want to use an MC cartridge.
The Pro-Ject MC Step Up Box S3 is the most quantitative and qualitative solution possible.
With a small MC cartridge (Ortofon Quintet Blue), the Pro-ject MC Step Up Box S3 offers a very lively and dynamic sound, while remaining open and very natural.
The Pro-Ject Step Up Box S3 offers remarkable sound performance and a very low distortion level while remaining nuanced and subtle.
Excellent value for money/music!
To be recommended
FranckFrequency response +/- 1dB: 10Hz - 55kHz:
Gain at 10-40 Ohm: 21dB at 1kHz
Gain at 40-150 Ohm: 24dB at 1kHz
Recommended load: 47 kOhm / 100pF
MC input: 1x pair of phono RCA jacks
Output: 1x pair of phono RCA jacks
Dimensions: 206 x 65 x 164 mm Weight: 940g
Customer reviews
Indispensable !
J'ai récemment " upgradé " ma platine Pro-Ject RPM-5 montée avec une cellule Ortofon 2M-Black ( qui est déjà un haut de gamme parmi les cellules MM ) par la cellule MC bas niveau Ortofon Quintet Black S. Le résultat s'est avéré spectaculaire par rapport à la 2M-Black ( CF mon avis sur la cellule Quintet Black S ) . J'ai à présent intercalé entre mon pré-ampli et ma cellule Quintet Black S ce transformateur Step Up. Résultat : encore un grand pas franchi avec une scène sonore bien plus large et encore mieux détaillée. Mon préampli , le Pro-Ject Tube Box SE-II est à mon avis très bien avec une bonne cellule MM mais ne donne pas toute la quintessence attendue avec la Quintet Black-S. Le rajout de ce transfo Step Up améliore considérablement le résultat ( Ou alors, il aurait fallu que j'investisse dans un pré-ampli largement supérieur )
Je remercie Franck pour tous les conseils qui m'ont permis d'effectuer les bons choix afin d'optimiser correctement mon installation.