{"product_id":"pro-ject-mc-step-up-box-ds3-b-step-up-transformer","title":"Pro-Ject MC Step-Up Box DS3 B Step-Up Transformer","description":"\u003ch1\u003ePro-Ject MC Step-Up Box DS3 B Step-Up Transformer\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003ePassive dual-mono SUT for low-output moving coil cartridges, with XLR and RCA inputs\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLow output MC cartridges send an output that’s about a tenth the output of MM cartridges. This means they require a specialty phonostage with more gain and different electrical parameters… unless you add a step-up transformer to prep the signal for your MM phono stage!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe MC Step-Up Box DS3 B works very differently from a phono preamplifier. The windings ratio of the transformer determines the gain factor. As it’s a passive device that doesn’t require a power supply, no additional power can be produced. The increase in voltage is achieved through a corresponding decrease in current.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAs there is no amplification, the MC Step-Up Box DS3 B is remarkably low in noise and distortion with a lively, dynamic and natural sonic signature. It offers both balanced and single-ended inputs and outputs and uses high-quality Lundahl LL 1678 audio transformers to preserve every detail.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eWhy Use a Step-Up Transformer?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOnce upon a time, step-up transformers were all but required for the optimal handling of a low-output MC cartridge’s signal. Active amplification technology was simply too noisy back then (defeating the purpose of the low-output design). A step-up transformer removes active amplification from the equation and passively boosts the signal the old-fashioned way. Operating entirely apart from mains power, it’s an opportunity to silently add 21 or 24 dB, an output level that’s comparable to MM cartridges.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNeedless to say, modern active amplification has improved by leaps and bounds. MC phono preamps can apply all the necessary gain without inducing excessive noise levels; yet there remains a niche population of critical listeners who continue to swear by the performance of the step-up transformer. It’s just a different approach that, pending your low-output cartridge and MM preamp, may be just what you’re after.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eDesigned \u0026amp; Handmade in Europe\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Step-Up Box DS3 B is carefully designed and handmade in Europe. Our goal is to develop a technically flawless device in a housing that is only as big as necessary. Due to the timeless design and rigid aluminum chassis, the MC Step Up Box DS3 B is built to last. With high-quality materials and components and a well-thought-out design, Pro-Ject brings the concept of MC step-up transformers back into the conversation.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eSpecifications\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFrequency Response (+\/- 1dB):\u003c\/strong\u003e 10 Hz – 55 kHz\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTransformation Ratio:\u003c\/strong\u003e 1:16, 1:32\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRecommended Load:\u003c\/strong\u003e 47k Ohm\/100 pF\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eInput:\u003c\/strong\u003e 1x stereo RCA, 1 x stereo XLR\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOutput:\u003c\/strong\u003e 1x stereo RCA, 1 x stereo XLR\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDimensions (WHD):\u003c\/strong\u003e 8.1\" x 3.1\" x 7.76″\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWeight:\u003c\/strong\u003e 3.83 lb. (1,740 g)\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Pro-Ject","offers":[{"title":"Black","offer_id":48573426368696,"sku":"STEP-UP-BOX-DS3B BLK","price":1199.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Silver","offer_id":48573426401464,"sku":"STEP-UP-BOX-DS3B SIL","price":1199.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1564\/1247\/files\/MC-Step-Up-Box-DS3-B-4-scaled_jpg.webp?v=1741629597","url":"https:\/\/upscaleaudio.pro\/products\/pro-ject-mc-step-up-box-ds3-b-step-up-transformer","provider":"Upscale Audio","version":"1.0","type":"link"}