Phasemation T-320 Step-up Transformer

Description

Phasemation T-320 MC Step-Up Transformer

The Phasemation T-320 is a high-quality MC step-up transformer developed from the engineering knowledge gained during the creation of the highly acclaimed T-550.

Its design combines Phasemation’s proprietary transformer technology with a rigid, low-resonance chassis and convenient MM / MC switching, creating a flexible analogue component for demanding vinyl playback systems.

The T-320 also adopts the distinctive 10mm-thick slanted aluminium front panel used on the reference T-550, giving the unit both substantial mechanical rigidity and the premium visual identity associated with Phasemation’s analogue products.

Derived from the Reference T-550

The development of the Phasemation T-320 draws directly on the experience acquired with the T-550, introduced in 2020 and highly regarded for its transformer design and sonic performance.

Rather than simply creating a more compact model, Phasemation refined the transformer technology and added an MM / MC selector to improve everyday usability while maintaining the company’s emphasis on signal purity and analogue musical expression.

Proprietary Split-Winding Transformer Technology

At the heart of the T-320 is Phasemation’s own special split-winding transformer structure.

The transformer uses low-loss, ultra-thick copper wire wound around a large EI core manufactured from 0.2mm-thick 78% permalloy material.

This construction is designed to achieve excellent frequency and phase characteristics across a wide bandwidth while maintaining strong linearity at low frequencies and highly efficient passive gain.

By carefully controlling transformer behaviour across the audible range, Phasemation aims to reduce phase distortion and preserve spatial information, image localization and the natural energy contained in the original cartridge signal.

Rigid Chassis Construction

Mechanical construction plays an important role in the design of the Phasemation T-320, particularly because the electrical signal generated by an MC cartridge is extremely small.

The front section uses a rigid box structure incorporating a 10mm-thick slanted aluminium panel.

The main chassis and cover are constructed from 1.2mm-thick copper-plated steel, creating a strong enclosure designed to provide mechanical stability and shielding for the internal transformer assembly.

Non-magnetic stainless-steel screws are used throughout the assembly to maintain rigidity while reducing the influence of unwanted magnetic distortion.

MM / MC Switching

The T-320 incorporates an MM / MC selector on the front panel, adding useful flexibility for analogue systems using different cartridge types.

This makes the T-320 easier to integrate into a carefully configured vinyl playback system while retaining the simplicity of transformer-based MC signal handling.

Why Use an MC Step-Up Transformer?

Low-output moving-coil cartridges generate an exceptionally small electrical signal. Before this signal can be processed by the MM section of a phono amplifier, additional voltage gain and appropriate impedance transformation are required.

An MC step-up transformer performs this task passively through magnetic coupling rather than adding another active electronic amplification stage.

For analogue enthusiasts, this approach can provide an extremely direct signal path with no additional powered amplification circuitry between the cartridge and MM phono stage.

The Phasemation T-320 applies this traditional principle using carefully developed modern transformer technology and mechanical construction.

Perfect Partner for the Phasemation EA-220

For a complete Phasemation analogue front end, the

Phasemation EA-220 MM / MC Phono Amplifier

is a natural partner for the Phasemation T-320.

The T-320 can provide passive transformer step-up for a low-output moving-coil cartridge before the signal is handled by the EA-220’s phono amplification circuitry.

This combination brings together Phasemation’s specialist transformer engineering and the EA-220’s all-discrete, non-feedback phono architecture, creating a coherent analogue system built around the same design philosophy.

Explore the

Phasemation EA-220 Phono Amplifier

for more information about building a complete Phasemation vinyl playback system.

Phasemation T-320 Awards

The Phasemation T-320 has received significant recognition from leading Japanese specialist audio publications, including awards from Analog Magazine, Audio Accessory, MJ and Stereo Magazine.

Reviews and Technical Information

Read the independent

Hxos+SoundVision review of the Phasemation T-320

for additional listening impressions and evaluation.

For detailed installation and operating information, download the

Phasemation T-320 Owner’s Manual
.

Japanese Transformer Engineering

The Phasemation T-320 combines traditional passive step-up transformer principles with modern Japanese engineering, specialized winding technology and substantial mechanical construction.

Its proprietary divided-winding transformer, permalloy EI core, copper-plated chassis and MM / MC switching make it a versatile solution for analogue systems built around high-quality moving-coil cartridges.

For listeners seeking an entirely Phasemation-based analogue signal path, pairing the T-320 with the

Phasemation EA-220

creates a natural progression from cartridge step-up to dedicated phono amplification.