Ortofon ST 80 SE step-up transformer

Ortofon introduced the Verto transformer several years ago. Prompted by the will to produce a more ambitious products that could match its latest innovations like the MC Windfield and Mc Anna, the Danish manufacturer has now unveiled the ST 80 SE.

The stereo design of this transformer departs from competitor products by the large coils, made up of many gold-plated high purity copper windings, as well as a very powerful magnetic circuit. To ward off magnetic interference from the coils, they are housed in a permalloy case the is in turn housed inside a 10 mm thick solid aluminium cylinder! A record as far as we are concerned! It naturally features a fully dual mono architecture for optimum channel separation and low distortion. Its significant weight anchors it even when used with high-end, very rigid and heavy phono cables. The internal wiring is meticulously crafted, with point-to-point terminals and with PTFE (Teflon) insulation.

We paired it with a Cadenza Black and a high-end MM phono preamplifier… The sound quality is amazing by the timbre quality and the detail level. The presence and transparency are far superior to competitor transformers. The dynamics are also to be reckoned with and are a match to the best MC phono stages.

If you have a high quality cartridge and turntable, this Ortofon ST 80 is a very efficient alternative solution to high-end MC phono preamplifiers. Highly recommended...