Pro-Ject MC Step Up Box S3
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Features
| Manufacturer | Pro-Ject |
|---|---|
| Warranty The length of time your product is protected by warranty | 2 Years |
Tech Specs
- Frequency Response - ± 1 dB (10Hz - 55kHz)
- Transformer Output Load - 47kΩ / 100pF
- Transformer Gain - 21 dB (Cartridges 10 - 40Ω) / 24dB (Cartridges 40 - 150Ω)
- RCA Input(s) - 1 Stereo Pair
- Fixed Analogue Output(s) - 1 x RCA Pair
- Dimensions (W x H x D) - 206 x 65 x 164 mm
- Weight - 0.94 kg
Description
The Pro-Ject MC Step-Up Box S3 will boost the signal level of a moving coil cartridge up to that of a moving magnet design. The unit is affordable and uses step-up transformers so needs no electrical power.
MC cartridges only have an output of a few hundred millivolts as opposed to 5mV with an MM design. Boosting passively avoids introducing any noise and allows you to keep your current phono stage. Lastly, the case is well-shielded and there are impedance settings to match a wide range of cartridges.
What is a moving coil cartridge?
There are two types of turntable cartridges in use on HIFI turntables today. Moving magnet and moving coil. The Pro-Ject MC Step-Up Box S3 is designed to make MC cartridges work with a standard phono stage. Moving magnet cartridges have a tiny magnet mounted to the end of the cantilever that holds the stylus tip.
The magnet sits inside a coil and moves with the groove modulations. This generates the sound. The output is around 5mV and the impedance is 47K. On the other hand, moving coil cartridges reverse this with the coil being mounted onto the cantilever.
As a result, the mass is lowered and the tracking is improved, particularly at high frequencies. MC cartridges are normally fitted to high-end turntables that have a low mass tonearm and headshell. However, MC cartridges have a much lower output than MM types. Hence the need for a signal booster.
Passive step-up amplification
The Pro-Ject MC Step-Up Box S3 achieves amplification by using a step-up transformer. These have two windings or coils of wire wound on top of each other. The turns ratio is 1-16. Audio transformers are Similar to power transformers except that they work in reverse.
The output of an MC cartridge is a few hundred millivolts. Notably, the transformer steps this up to around 5mV. This can then be fed to a standard phono stage or pre-amp. You still need an active phono stage to apply RIAA equalization to the signal and bring it up to line level.
Advantages of a passive MC booster
The main advantage of Pro-Ject MC Step-Up Box S3 is signal integrity. There is no electrical amplification used so less noise is introduced. Moreover, there is also an impedance setting that optimizes the input for different cartridges.
MC cartridges have a wider range of outputs and impedances than MM types. There are two impedance settings 10-40 Ohms and 40-150 Ohms. The signal comes from a coil hence these have a low electrical resistance.
Superior Build quality
Pro-Ject is renowned for its turntables and only the best components are used in the Pro-Ject MC Step-Up Box S3. The metal case provides good shielding and the input and output connectors are gold-plated. Lastly, this unit allows you to keep your current phono stage and use it with an MC cartridge.