SKU: 88837Category: Phono StagesAvailability: in stock
820,00 €
Audio Hungary QUALITON MC | High-End Moving Coil Step-Up Transformer
The Qualiton MC Step-Up Transformer is a premium passive impedance-matching solution designed to connect low-output moving coil cartridges to high-quality MM phono preamplifiers.
Featuring specially wound transformers with Permalloy magnetic shielding, short signal paths and factory-optimised gain configurations, the Qualiton MC delivers precision analogue signal transformation without an active amplification circuit.
The Audio Hungary QUALITON MC Step-Up Transformer is a precision-engineered passive transformer designed to match low-output moving coil (MC) phono cartridges with high-quality moving magnet (MM) phono preamplifiers.
Combining custom transformer winding technology, Permalloy magnetic shielding and exceptionally short signal paths, the QUALITON MC provides a carefully designed solution for serious vinyl playback systems.
Available through Chameleon Audio, the QUALITON MC is an excellent choice for music enthusiasts seeking a high-quality moving coil step-up transformer with expert cartridge matching advice and international purchasing support.
Precision Engineering for Moving Coil Cartridges
Low-output moving coil cartridges generate extremely small electrical signals. Correctly matching these signals to a phono preamplifier is essential for achieving the intended electrical performance of an analogue playback system.
The QUALITON MC uses passive transformer technology to increase the cartridge signal voltage before it enters a compatible MM phono stage.
Unlike an active MC amplification circuit, a passive step-up transformer does not require an external power supply.
Custom-Wound Transformers with Permalloy Shielding
Inside the stainless-steel enclosure are two specially designed transformers, one for each audio channel.
Each transformer features a Permalloy magnetic shield and a carefully constructed winding arrangement using a Bakelite coil former.
The transformer design provides the extended bandwidth and low distortion required for accurate transmission of delicate moving coil signals.
Permalloy shielding helps protect the sensitive transformer assemblies from external magnetic interference.
+24dB Passive Voltage Gain
The standard QUALITON MC configuration provides +24dB nominal gain with a transformer turns ratio of 1:18.
The manufacturer’s published specifications include a nominal input impedance of 145 ohms and a nominal load impedance of 47k ohms.
This configuration is intended for use with a suitable moving coil cartridge and a compatible moving magnet phono preamplifier.
Correct cartridge matching should consider output voltage, internal impedance, recommended load and phono stage sensitivity.
Cartridge Impedance Matching
The QUALITON MC was developed to accommodate different moving coil cartridge characteristics through appropriate factory configuration.
Audio Hungary identifies cartridge source impedance ranges of 2-10 ohms and 10-50 ohms.
The manufacturer also offers the possibility of custom factory tuning for individual cartridge requirements.
This approach avoids relying solely on universal loading arrangements using switches and parallel resistors.
Chameleon Audio can help you evaluate the electrical requirements of your MC cartridge and MM phono stage before selecting the appropriate transformer configuration.
Extended Frequency Response and Low Distortion
The QUALITON MC offers a published frequency response of 5Hz to 90kHz (-3dB).
Total harmonic distortion is specified at 0.02% at the nominal output level.
These electrical characteristics demonstrate the attention given to transformer winding geometry, magnetic materials and signal transfer performance.
Actual system performance also depends on cartridge loading, phono stage characteristics and connected cables.
Short Signal Paths and Dedicated Ground Connection
Audio Hungary designed the QUALITON MC with short internal signal paths to minimise unnecessary wiring between the transformer windings and RCA connectors.
A conveniently positioned grounding terminal is provided between the RCA connections.
Correct grounding and careful placement away from strong magnetic fields are important when installing a moving coil step-up transformer.
Elegant Stainless-Steel Construction
The QUALITON MC combines its specialist internal engineering with an elegant stainless-steel enclosure.
Its compact dimensions make it suitable for installation close to a turntable or phono preamplifier, while maintaining sufficient separation from potential sources of electromagnetic interference.
How to Connect the QUALITON MC
The recommended signal path is:
Turntable with MC Cartridge → QUALITON MC Step-Up Transformer → MM Phono Stage → Integrated Amplifier or Preamplifier.
The step-up transformer increases the cartridge signal voltage but does not provide RIAA equalisation. A suitable phono preamplifier remains necessary.
QUALITON MC Step-Up Transformer Key Features
High-end passive moving coil step-up transformer
Designed by Audio Hungary
Precision-wound stereo transformer construction
Permalloy magnetic shielding
Special windings on Bakelite coil formers
+24dB nominal voltage gain in the standard configuration
1:18 transformer turns ratio
145-ohm nominal input impedance
Designed for compatible 47k-ohm MM phono inputs
Frequency response: 5Hz-90kHz (-3dB)
Low-distortion passive signal transfer
Short internal signal paths
RCA input and output connections
Accessible grounding terminal
Factory cartridge matching options
Compact stainless-steel construction
No external power supply required
Why Buy from Chameleon Audio?
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An MC step-up transformer increases the low-level output voltage of a moving coil cartridge, allowing it to operate with a compatible MM phono preamplifier.
Does the QUALITON MC need a power supply?
No. The device uses passive transformer technology and requires no external electrical power.
What is the gain of the QUALITON MC?
The standard configuration provides +24dB nominal gain with a 1:18 transformer turns ratio.
Can the QUALITON MC be matched to different cartridges?
Yes. Audio Hungary offers factory configuration and potential customisation according to specific cartridge requirements.
Can I use the QUALITON MC with any moving coil cartridge?
Compatibility depends on the cartridge output voltage, internal impedance, recommended load and the connected phono stage. Matching should be confirmed before purchase.
Does an MC Step-Up Transformer replace a phono stage?
No. The transformer provides voltage step-up but does not perform RIAA equalisation. A compatible MM phono stage is still required.
What is the difference between a passive step-up transformer and an active MC phono stage?
A passive transformer increases signal voltage through magnetic coupling without an active gain circuit. An active MC phono stage uses powered electronic amplification. Both approaches can provide excellent results when correctly matched.
Where can I buy the Audio Hungary QUALITON MC?
The QUALITON MC Step-Up Transformer is available through Chameleon Audio, with specialist analogue audio advice and international ordering assistance.
Why Buy Your QUALITON MC from Chameleon Audio?
Chameleon Audio specialises in high-end audio components, including moving coil cartridges, phono stages and step-up transformers.
We can assist with cartridge compatibility, gain requirements and system matching, helping you choose an appropriate analogue solution.
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