Quadratic MC-1 step-up transformer
Quadratic Audio’s first product, a moving coil step-up transformer is a simple yet perfectly executed product. The designer behind the Quadratic MC-1 is Jam Somasundram, from Pass Labs. He was the creator of the highly regarded HPA-1 headphone amplifier. Before that Jam held a number of designer jobs, including stints at Ayre and Cary Audio. He has also worked in high end audio retail for many years.
The Quadratic MC-1 uses custom transformers from Cine-Mag, these feature proprietary technology developed by David Geren. The MC-1 is dual mono and the transformers are encased in mu-metal cans which block out stray magnetic interference. The transformers are manufactured using a hum bucking technique which greatly increases the ability of the transformers to reject induced magnetic field pickup typically coming from nearby power transformers and motors.
The ability of the transformer to reject hum induced into the transformer itself is only part of the hum rejection equation, because hum can be induced in the cables and wiring of the overall system leading up to the transformer primary. Hum bucking transformers inherently have superior common mode rejection ratios (CMRR) which mitigate this problem.
The MC-1 transformers include floating (not internally connected to either the primary or secondary ) Faraday shielding which ultra- isolates the primary side of the transform from the secondary. Jumpers are available on the circuit board that allow you to bond the Faraday shields to the system or even float them completely. Finally there is a Ground Lift option. Engage or disengage if needed for the best hum rejection.
The MC-1 comes factory set for the best overall performance for most modern cartridges. Two generations of experience in designing and manufacturing professional and audiophile grade transformers have gone in to the design and production of the MC-1 transformers, and decades of experience in engineering audiophile components have been applied in to the MC-1.
Specifications
Gain Setting High: +28dB
Gain Setting Low: +22dB
Frequency Response: 10Hz-100kHz
Recommended Load: 47k
Dimensions: W 6.5” ( 165mm ) D 8.0” ( 203mm ) H 3.0” ( 76mm )
Weight: 4.2 Ibs ( 1.9 kg )
The Quadratic MC-1 costs £1,895 and is being distributed in the UK by Symmetry.