MC Step Up Box DS3 B

The MC Step Up Box DS3 B is a passive step-up transformer that raises the low output of a moving-coil cartridge before it reaches a phono stage. It has no active amplification, so the signal path stays free of added circuitry. It uses Lundahl LL 1678 audio transformers and is handmade in Europe.

Input and output can each be switched between single-ended RCA and balanced XLR with push buttons on the front panel. Gain is selectable at 24 dB or 30 dB, matching transformation ratios of 1:16 and 1:32. Cartridge impedance is set with a push button on the rear. The balanced connection is intended to reduce interference picked up in the home.

The unit is meant to sit between the turntable and a phono preamplifier. It is generally paired with a good moving-magnet phono stage, particularly a tube design, rather than with an MC phono preamp. It is offered in silver or black.