Ortofon ST-80 SE MC Step Up Transformer

Ortofon ST-80 SE is a very special MC step-up transformer, designed to deliver a wonderfully detailed and natural sound, connected inbetween an MC phono cartridge and your MM phono stage/phono input.

Warm, Full-bodied Sound

If you already have a moving magnet (MM) phono stage you enjoy that doesn't have an MC input, you need a step-up stage like this one. Amplifying the sound of an moving coil (MC) cartridge is a tricky business due to the very low output level. The ST-80 SE performs beautifully, delivering a warm and full bodied sound that is among the finest we've heard of its kind.

Stereo Separation

In contrast to older models from Ortofon, the ST-80 SE features a larger bobbin, more layers in the permalloy core and more coil windings. The design is pure dual mono for excellent stereo separation. The transformer is magnetically shielded in a permalloy case, which in turn is inserted into a robust 10mm thick aluminum cylinder bored out of a solid aluminum block.

Remarkeable Stability

Together with the heavy metal case the transformers effectively isolates against environmental noise. The stability of the transformer is superb thanks to its substantial weight of 1.5kg, ensuring it stays in place even when cables are attached. Internal point-to-point wiring is made by Teflon insulated, solid-core pure OFC copper-wire plated with gold. Together with high quality gold plated RCA jacks with Teflon insulation that ensures the optimum signal transmission and integrity.

Compatiblility

A perfect match for most high end MC cartridges, including models from Ortofon like the Cadenza range, MC A90, the MC Windfeld, Xpression and the SPU range. If you're upgrading to a new SPU cartridge along with this step-up stage, we highly recommend matching this with an Xpression, ST-80 SE - an absolutely supreme experience!