MC1 Moving Coil Transformer (SUT)

About the MC1 Moving Coil Transformer (SUT)

The Quadratic MC-1 is a high-end, passive step-up transformer (SUT) designed specifically for moving-coil (MC) phono cartridges. It passively increases the low-level signal from MC cartridges to levels compatible with standard phono preamps, offering two user-configurable gain settings of +28 dB and +22 dB to accommodate a wide range of MC cartridges. Designed by Jam Somasundram, a veteran of Pass Labs and Cary Audio, in collaboration with CineMag, a renowned transformer manufacturer, the MC-1 features hydrogen-annealed laminations, Faraday shielding, and mu-metal cans for superior hum and radio-frequency interference rejection. The transformers are mounted on a PCB inside a steel enclosure to minimize crosstalk and noise. The device is praised for its exceptional musicality, wide frequency response (10 Hz to 100 kHz), low distortion, and realistic imaging, making it a favored choice for audiophiles seeking to improve analog playback without adding noise or complexity. It weighs approximately 4.2 lbs (1.9 kg) and measures about 3.0" x 6.5" x 8.0" (HWD). The MC-1 requires no external power and includes high-quality connectors and grounding options. It is considered one of the most musical and revealing step-up transformers