OVERVIEW
We
believe
the
best
way
to
step
up a Moving Coil cartridge is with a wide bandwidth
transformer. The reason we like this approach is two fold. One is that it's a passive device and therefor noiseless. Two, is that makes the cartridge sound better with improved dimensionality, weight, and top end resolution.
This device is used only when your phono stage doesn't have MC (moving coil) inputs which is often the case with tube phono stages.
The ZMC features an adjustable cartridge loading knob
on the front of the unit. To use it, slowly turn the knob while the record is playing until the volume stops increasing. At that point you cartridge is perfectly loaded.
You can of course use this knob on the fly or revisit the setting at any time. It can be handy to sometimes under damp the cartridge to give more air in the top end, or over damp the cartridge to tame a bright sounding record. You do that by simply turning the knob slightly down or slightly up from the ideal setting.
We offer three types of transformers shown below. With our own phono stage (model ZP3) the most popular choice for a step up is the ZMC1. The higher ratio works well with the 42dB of gain from our phono stage and mates best with most cartridges.
|
ZMC1
|
For low output MC cartridges | 1:20 ratio for use with 3~25 ohm
cartridges.
|
|
ZMC2
|
For high output MC cartridges
|
1:10 ratio for use with 3~100 ohm
cartridges.
|
|
ZMC3
|
For high impedance MC
cartridges
|
1:12 ratio for use with 25~100 ohm
cartridges.
|
The high bandwidth and very low phase shift ensures
excellent transient response. Mumetal can for magnetic shielding is
standard.
Typical
response
is
10Hz
~
100kHz.
OPERATION
The ZMC connects between your turntable and phono stage. There is a standard ground lug on the rear of the ZMC. In addition, there is also an IEC connector for those rare custom systems that wish to place an earth ground at the source. Since the best way to obtain an earth ground is ta wall outlet, you can simply use a standard grounded power cord between the ZMC and wall outlet. In regular systems using a power cord to effect an earth ground for the ZMC is not recommended.
SUPPORT
This product is hand built in the USA by
DECWARE / High Fidelity Engineering Co. It comes with a lifetime
warranty to the original owner. If you purchase one second hand and
ever have questions or technical problems we WILL be happy to check it
out for you and service it if needed at a reasonable rate.
We also
have a support forum
with
many people who own this item who's experiences you may benefit
from.
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