To complement its range of preamplifiers, Pro-Ject offers a very high-end solution for owners of MM input and low-level MC cartridges by adding the Pro-Ject MC Step Up Box DS3 B MC transformer.
TRANSFO MC PRO-JECT STEP UP BOX DS3 B: DESIGN
The Pro-Ject Step Up Box S3 B transformer is housed in a beautiful non-magnetic steel 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 front panel, there are three switches that select the inputs (RCA or XLR), outputs (RCA or XLR), and gain (24dB or 30dB).
On the back of the case, there are two pairs of gold-plated RCA connectors, doubled by symmetrical inputs and outputs on XLR connectors.
Between these connectors, a selector allows you to choose between an impedance selector of 5 to 150 Ohms.
TRANSFO MC PRO-JECT STEP UP BOX DS3 B: COILS
Of course, the Pro-Ject Step Up Box DS3 B is double mono. It is equipped with two transformers provided by the famous Swedish manufacturer Lundahl. Pro-Ject has chosen the famous LL1678 transformers.
They allow you to choose the impedance and gain. So to choose between 5 and 150 Ohms and between 24 and 30 dB. The announced bandwidth of 10 Hz to 55 KHz is remarkable, especially with a tolerance of +/- 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.
The new Step Up Box DS3 is designed and manufactured by hand in Europe in a Pro-Ject production unit.
TRANSFO MC PRO-JECT STEP UP BOX DS3 B: 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 DS3 B is a very high-performance solution. The ability to connect this preamplifier in input and output in symmetrical is an obvious plus.
We connected this transformer in symmetrical to the Pro-Ject Phono Box RS2 preamplifier. Of course, this means that this preamplifier is set to MM (47k).
The Pro-Ject Step Up Box DS3 B offers a restitution of a fluidity and finesse unmatched by the Box RS in MC. Everything seems much more nuanced and natural, while offering a remarkable dynamic quality on the transients. The quality of timbre is just as remarkable and contributes greatly to the realism of the whole.
The Pro-Ject Step Up Box DS3 B offers remarkable sound performance for its price.
Favorite!
FranckFrequency response +/- 1dB: 10Hz - 55kHz:
Gain at 5-20 Ohm: 30dB at 1kHz
Gain at 20-100 Ohm: 30dB at 1kHz
Gain at 10-40 Ohm: 24dB at 1kHz
Gain at 40-150 Ohm: 24dB at 1kHz
Recommended load: 47 kOhm / 100pF
MC input: 1x pair of phono RCA and XLR jacks
Output: 1x pair of phono RCA and XLR jacks
Dimensions: 206 x 79 x 197 mm Weight: 1740g
