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The new MCX Phono Preamp
optimizes the inclusion of moving
“
coil step transformers in
vinyl playback.
— RON SUTHERLAND
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Like so many people, I had assumed that
But, contrary to this, the popularity of SUT
moving coil step-up transformers were a relic
from the past. Well-designed, modern phono
preamps can achieve plenty of gain at very
low noise AND a very intimate connection
with the music.
Adding a step-up transformer into the signal
path seemed like an expensive, unnecessary,
and detrimental complication.
(Step Up Transformer) is on the upswing. So
many people were telling me how putting
a good SUT in front of their phono preamp
brought out a rich, lush and emotive char-
acter that was completely seductive. People
were passionate about the sound quality.
I realized it was time to take a serious look at
the role a SUT could play in vinyl playback.
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The Correct Question:
Since customers can always add a SUT in
front of any Sutherland phono preamp, this
approach is already available. Many people
were doing just this and enjoying the results.
So the question became: Is there better way?
This question was further modified under the
Sutherland Philosophy:
Is there a more direct, less complicated, min-
imalist way?
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The Appropriate Answer
First, the SUT needed to sit directly on the
preamp circuit board. This decision brought
with it many advantages. The connections
between the SUT secondary and preamp
circuits were now as direct as physically possible. The distance was minimal. The interconnecting cable was eliminated. Two sets of
audio connectors were eliminated. The signal
path was simplified and made more direct.
Furthermore, the cost of cables, connectors,
and transformer case was eliminated.
But which transformer should be used?
Although some preamp manufactures design
and build their own SUT, that was never a
serious consideration for this project. I would
much prefer to incorporate the expertise of
an established expert in the field. Lundahl
has a well deserved reputation for good, solid
engineering that delivers both quality and
musicality.
Using a transformer in front of the first gain
stage offered a chance for some circuit sim-
plification. Then the following stage was
revamped for the best overall musicality.
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The question of how to offer loading and
signal path possible. Furthermore, the range
gain options is a tricky one. All solutions have
advantages and compromises. For the MCX
I decided on the most simplified signal path —
along with flexibility in values — as the highest priority.
The loading and gain resistors plug directly
into machined sockets on the circuit board.
There are no options on the board. Only the
resistors in actual use are on the board. The
advantage is the most direct and uncluttered
of gain and loading options is virtually unlim-
ited. Along with those advantages comes
a small inconvenience. Plan on getting out
some tweezers and a jeweler’s loupe when
changing resistors.
But, all things considered, this compromise
is not so bad when compared to turntable
and cartridge set up. For best possible per-
formance, it seemed acceptable to sacrifice
some convenience.
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Lastly, the best stereo phono preamp is
actually two mono phono preamps. With
a stack of two mono phono preamps, all the
most subtle space and dimensionality cues
are preserved.
The MCX is just such a mono phono preamp.
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— LINKING INTO YOUR SYSTEM —
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The MCX ships configured for a gain of 60
The MCX is designed to be powered on 24/7.
dB and a loading of 200 Ohms. This will be
a good starting point for most systems. If you
have different preferences, please refer to
the GAIN and LOADING pages.
The two MCX are designed to be stacked on
top of each other. Plug your turntable into the
IN jacks. The interconnecting cables to your
preamp go into the OUT jacks. Ground wires
go to the knurled screw.
The supplied AC power cords are just to get
you started. Later you will probably want
to experiment and invest in power cord
upgrades.
The MCX has a universal power supply.
That means it will adapt itself automatically
and work with any AC power line voltage
between 88 volts and 264 volts. No operat-
ing voltage set up is required.
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Load Settings
Cartridge loading is determined by the resistor value installed in the LOADING resistor
socket.
Dale/Vishay RN65-style resistors are included
with the following values.
47.5k for 475 Ohm loading
30k for 300 Ohm loading
20k for 200 Ohm loading
10k for 100 Ohm loading
5k for 50 Ohm loading
Your MCX ships with loading set to 200
Ohms.
NOTE: the loading resistors are positioned at
the secondary of the step-up transformer.
The actual value of loading applied to the
cartridge will be the resistor’s value divided
by 100.
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Gain Settings
Gain is determined by the resistor value
installed in the GAIN resistor socket.
Dale/Vishay RN65-style resistors are included
with the following values.
221 Ohms for 60 dB gain
110 Ohms for 66 dB gain
56 Ohms for 72 dB gain
Your MCX ships with gain set to 60 dB.
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Size
Weight
17” wide
12” deep
2.5” high
Shipping Box
24” wide
24” deep
11” high
Contact Info
Sutherland Engineering, Inc.
455 East 79th Terrace,
Kansas City, MO 64131
Net 11lbs each
Shipping 19lbs each
Power Requirements
88 – 264 VAC
10 Watts each
Phone: +1 (816) 718-7898
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.sutherlandengineering.com
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