Cinemag Sky 30 Step Up Transformer

About the Cinemag Sky 30 Step Up Transformer

The Bob’s Devices CineMag Sky 30 is a passive moving-coil (MC) step-up transformer designed to raise the low-level output of an MC phono cartridge so it can be used with a conventional moving-magnet (MM) phono-stage input. It uses CineMag SKY blue-version transformers in a hand-polished black cast-aluminum enclosure and provides selectable 1:15 or 1:30 voltage step-up ratios. The low-gain 1:15 setting provides approximately 24 dB of gain, while the high-gain 1:30 setting provides approximately 30 dB. The unit has gold-plated RCA connectors, a phono grounding post, and a ground/lift switch intended to help manage grounding and hum issues. A fixed-ratio version and optional XLR-equipped custom chassis have also been offered. It should generally be connected between the turntable and an MM phono input, using properly shielded interconnects. The available manufacturer and dealer information indicates that the Sky 30 family remains represented in Bob’s Devices’ product listings, although the original standard Sky 30 may be superseded or supplemented by the heavier Sky 30-S variant. It should therefore not be classified as definitively discontinued.