Remton Audio — Phono Stages
MC Transformer
Pure passive amplification to unlock the potential of moving coil cartridges.
Designed as the essential partner for any serious vinyl enthusiast, the Remton MC Transformer brings an unmatched level of purity to the analog signal path. By replacing active electronic gain stages with high-quality induction, it preserves the delicate transients and tonal nuance of moving coil cartridges while effectively eliminating the noise and distortion inherent in active amplification.
Positioned as the ideal front-end solution for the Remton LCR or other reference-grade MM phono stages, this transformer is built upon a philosophy of signal integrity. It operates entirely passively, requiring no power supply, which ensures that the sensitive signal from the stylus remains isolated from external electromagnetic interference and mains-borne noise.
The sonic character is one of effortless authority and natural scale. By using carefully selected magnetic cores and custom winding techniques, the transformer ensures that the impedance matching is optimised for a wide variety of cartridges, resulting in a soundstage that is both wider and deeper than typically achieved through active head amplifiers. It allows the music to emerge from a silent background with a tactile, organic presence.
Key Features
01
Passive signal amplification
Provides the necessary voltage gain for low-output MC cartridges without the noise or power requirements of active electronic circuits.
02
Optimised impedance matching
Engineered to reflect the correct cartridge load to the stylus, ensuring a flat frequency response and superior transient performance.
03
Electromagnetic isolation
Constructed to provide high immunity to external magnetic fields and electrical interference, preserving the purity of the micro-level signals.
Chapter 01
Design Philosophy
Remton Audio maintains that the most sophisticated way to handle a low-level moving coil signal is to avoid active electronics entirely at the initial gain stage. The MC Transformer is designed to act as a pure impedance and voltage converter, transforming the tiny signal from the cartridge into a level suitable for a standard 47k Ohm MM phono input without adding signature colour or background hiss.
Chapter 02
Build Quality
The device is housed in a robust, shielded enclosure designed to decouple the delicate internal windings from vibration and interference. The use of high-grade, broadcast-quality connectors and shielded internal wiring ensures that the signal remains uncorrupted from the tonearm output to the phono stage input.
Chapter 03
Sonic Signature
The primary benefit of this transformer is a sense of effortless musical flow. Listeners will experience a significant improvement in soundstage dimensionality and 'slam', as the transformer allows the phono stage to operate in its most linear and quietest range. It removes the mechanical, clinical feel of some high-gain active stages, restoring the warmth and harmonic density that define high-end vinyl playback.
Specifications
Frequency response5 Hz to 100 kHz -3 dB
Gain20dB (1:10), MC low: 26dB (1:20)
Dimensions386 x 295 x 85 mm