[Mariusz]

New product from Gary Dodd stable caught my eye, however its inability to handle phono cartridges like my demanding Denon 103R and Ortofon MC 2000 MK II was questionable without third party step-transformer which wouldn't change my present setup much. Yes, running on batteries is definitely beneficial to lower the noise floor and reduce the ground loop problems but external Up-T would still be the potential weakest link in this analog setup.

I had some problems with my preamp's charger that needed to be replace.
Gary found the minor problem and will ship it back this Friday with new charger.
While arrangements were being made I have asked Gary about his new phono, my interest in it and my concerns about limited gain of his phono to work in my system.

To make long story short, Gary agreed to build the custom phonostage with
 up-transformers build-in  or in separate enclosure due to limited physical space inside the phono case. 

We still try to find the best transformers to use for this project. My experience is limited, so feel free with recommendations.

So far we have this options on the table:

1. to use CineMag CMQEE-3440A (quad eight vintage) transformer.
2. One of Jensen Ts.
3. To use my old (but very good) Ortofon T2000  up-t for parts.

The idea is to incorporate up-t to also benefit from battery design and match with the Dodd's phonostage.

If everything works out , it should be one awesome phonostage and something that I am looking forward to.

Cheers
Mariusz   

[AliG]

Jensen is the way to go man.. aa

How much is Gary going to charge you to add this step-up transformer feature? 

[tanchiro58]

Jensen is the way to go man.. aa

AliG,

There are some affordable caps can replace Jensen( whats value?) like the Russian K40Y-9 PIO.

I just got a Softone Model 4 phono preamp directly from Japan. It is well built with 12AX7 output tubes inside and has R-core OPTs. This phono preamp can use with MM, MC high and low.

Tan

[Mariusz]

Jensen is the way to go man.. aa

How much is Gary going to charge you to add this step-up transformer feature? 

I am not sure about the total cost yet. Initially, Gary offered to do it at no extra cost as long as the transformes can be install in his phono case + my parts. If it will be physically impossible - up-t will be in separate box but will work as one with the phonostage on the same batteries.(Keep in mind that it may cost a little for allready build units.....ask Gary to make sure)

Gary seemed very interested in this modification.........it might be something that would definitely help in sells due to more flexability - Only my opinion.

As to the choice of transformers.
Jensens cost $210 a pair.
Ortofon up-t  bought for about the same

Gary did some search on the Ortofon up-t and says that it is of very good quality and might work.
Jensen is know for its excellent quality as well.

Next week we will decide on which way to go.

Cheers

[AliG]

Mariusz, is he going to do something about the fixed 47kOhm loading?

I was told that tube phono are inherently noisy, in fact, the more tubes you use, the noisier it gets. The standard Dodd phono has 4 tubes with 50dB gain, since you've decided to go with SUT, there may be an options to go with less tube (hence less gain) but you compensate the gain with SUT?

Anyway, I'm no expert at all, just bouncing off ideas.

[Mariusz]

Mariusz, is he going to do something about the fixed 47kOhm loading?

I was told that tube phono are inherently noisy, in fact, the more tubes you use, the noisier it gets. The standard Dodd phono has 4 tubes with 50dB gain, since you've decided to go with SUT, there may be an options to go with less tube (hence less gain) but you compensate the gain with SUT?

Anyway, I'm no expert at all, just bouncing off ideas.

Neither am I .......I'll ask Gary what can be done. Keep the ideas coming..since it is still time do try them out..if Gary can do it and it doesn't degrade the quality...why not.