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The Kondo Audio Note Japan KSL-SFz is a premium moving coil (MC) step-up transformer designed for true analogue sound reproduction. It features a pure silver KSL winding transformer with skillful winding techniques to ensure wide bandwidth and flat frequency response. The transformer uses a custom-made core composed of ultra-thin permalloy plates (100μm thickness) that minimize eddy current and hysteresis losses, resulting in low distortion and a flat frequency response up to 100kHz. The large core size and short magnetic circuit path assure excellent low-frequency performance. The transformer is handcrafted with high-quality materials, including a pure silver output cable (KSL-LPz or Ls-41) 1m/RCA. It supports balanced and unbalanced modes by switching the grounding point on the primary side, allowing optimal performance with shielded cables. The transformer is mechanically isolated with double shielding (permalloy and copper) and damping gel to reduce vibration and electromagnetic interference. It is designed to maximize the performance of MC cartridges, unleashing the original spirit of the music directly from the artist. Dimensions are approximately 114mm(W) x 150mm(H) x 175mm(D) or 126mm(W) x 96mm(H) x 179mm(D) depending on the version, weighing about 3.1 to 3.2 kg. Recommended load impedance is 47kΩ. The product is highly regarded for its exquisite, natural, and detailed sound quality, often paired with high-end Kondo components.
Analog signal output specifications
Size, weight, and appearance
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The closest alternatives on specs, description and the systems they turn up in, with the specs they share set side by side.
The SFz-E's weight is 3.1 kg (7 lbs) against the KSL-SFz MC Step-Up's 3.2 kg (7 lbs), its depth 179 mm against 175 mm, and its width 126 mm against 114 mm. Both share output impedance (47000Ω).
The ST80 SE's weight is 1.5 kg (3 lbs) against the KSL-SFz MC Step-Up's 3.2 kg (7 lbs), its height 153 mm against 150 mm, and its width 95 mm against 114 mm. Both share output impedance (47000Ω).
The KSL-SF-z matches the KSL-SFz MC Step-Up on output impedance (47000Ω), weight (3.2 kg (7 lbs)), width (114 mm), and height (150 mm).
The MC16's output impedance is 200Ω against the KSL-SFz MC Step-Up's 47000Ω, its weight 4 kg (9 lbs) against 3.2 kg (7 lbs), its width 120 mm against 114 mm, and its height 100 mm against 150 mm.
Mitchell A Cotter Mark II
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