Ortofon ST-70 Step-Up Transformer

Ortofon ST-70 Step-Up Transformer

 

One of the standout features of the ST-70 is its use of high-quality Lundahl™ transformers, surrounded by specialised mu-metal shielding. This combination ensures that every detail in a complex array of notes is reproduced with absolute purity, free from internal and external sources of interference. The result is an incredibly quiet and revealing transformer that will impress even the most critical listeners.

But the ST-70 isn't just about technical prowess. Its dual mono design provides discrete circuitry for each channel, eliminating crosstalk and potential distortions. This means cleaner, clearer sound reproduction with a significantly increased stereo imaging. No matter what type of music you're listening to, the ST-70 delivers an expansive stereo separation that brings a lifelike realism to your listening experience.

The ST-70 also boasts high-quality industrial-grade PCB, as well as gold-plated RCA jacks with Teflon insulation. These features work together to minimize signal degradation and maximize signal flow, ensuring optimal conductivity for high-quality interconnects. Furthermore, the unit is assembled with minimal internal wiring, preserving the absolute integrity of your signal.

In terms of functionality, the ST-70 offers compatibility with most Moving Coil cartridges, with internal jumpers to select between two gain/impedance options. This allows for flexibility while maintaining a clean and sleek aesthetic.

For those considering using the ST-70 with the Cadenza Series, rest assured that this transformer is a perfect partner. Not only does it provide the necessary gain for MC cartridges, but it also offers exceptional noise performance and sound quality, making it a superior choice over MC phono preamplifiers.

 

Accurate tonal balance

Starting with high-quality Lundahl™ transformers, surrounded by a specialised mu-metal shielding, listeners can be assured that every detail in a complex array of notes is reproduced with utter purity, with freedom from internal and external sources of interference. These two items combined make the ST-70 transformer one of the quietest, most revealing transformers.

Featuring dual mono design, the ST-70 provides discrete circuitry for each channel, resulting in the elimination of crosstalk and possible distortions. This results in cleaner, clearer reproduction with substantially increased stereo imaging. Regardless of the composition being played, the ST-70 expansive stereo separation provides lifelike realism and accurate tonal balance devoid of coloration.

 

Terminal connections

To further minimise signal degradation and maximise signal flow, the ST-70 has been engineered using high-quality industrial-grade PCB. Additionally, gold-plated RCA jacks with Teflon insulation provide optimal conductivity for use with high-quality interconnects. Internally, the unit is assembled with an absolute bare minimum of internal wiring, preserving absolute signal integrity.

1. Output terminal for Right channel RCA plug

2. Input terminal for Right channel RCA plug

3. Grand earth terminal

4. Output terminal for Left channel RCA plug

5. Input terminal for Left channel RCA plug

The ST-70 applications

The ST-70 maintains compatibility with most Moving Coil cartridges by using internal jumpers to select between two gain/impedance options. This affords audiophiles with broad flexibility while still maintaining a clean aesthetic.

The ST-70 transformer is a perfect partner for the Cadenza Series. Why use a transformer? Since the output of MC cartridges is low, higher gain is required to utilise it, such as that provided by Step-up moving coil transformers or MC phono preamplifiers. Although both devices provide this requirement, both are fundamentally different in function and in sonic character. This is where Step-up moving coil transformers are frequently seen as superior; they are completely passive and offer exceptional noise performance and sound quality.

 

"If you're struggling with distortion or aren't comfortable with the amount of gain you're employing in your system then a Step-Up transformer might be what you need. Boosting the signal from an MC cartridge to the level of an MM cartridge gives you a louder signal without needing to boost it via your amp, and therefore risking distortion to your musical signal."

Kieran Pickaver - Henley Audio Sales Manager

 

Specification

Technical data Configuration A:

• Recommended cartridge impedance: 5-50 Ω
• Gain at 1 kHz: 24 dB
• Frequency response: 10 Hz - 100 kHz ± 1 dB
• Recommended load: 47 kΩ // 200 pF

Technical data Configuration B:

• Recommended cartridge impedance: < 10 Ω
• Gain at 1 kHz: 30 dB
• Frequency response: 10 Hz - 80 kHz ± 1 dB
• Recommended load: 47 kΩ // 200 pF
• Trafo output loading: 47 kΩ // 200 pF
• Dimensions: 58 x 135 x 150 mm
• Weight: 1.233 kg

About Ortofon

Ortofon is one of the world leader's in the development and manufacturing of turntable cartridges. The wealth of knowledge and expertise at Ortofon has been accumulating since 1918 with their first moving coil cartridge manufactured in 1948.

Today, Ortofon offers a wide range of cartridges for both DJ's and Hi-Fi audiophiles. Their offering includes moving magnets, moving coils, plug-and-play headshells, mono cartridges and 78RPM cartridges.

Throughout their range of cartridges, Ortofon maintains a set profile with each cartridge profile containing an individual sonic expression. All of Ortofon's range of cartridges includes a Red, Blue, Bronze and Black model.

First, in the range, are the Red cartridges which deliver open, dynamic sound with a slight touch of warmth. Next, the Blue Cartridges offer greater dynamic soundstages with improved detail and resolution. Following on, the Bronze cartridges improve the details in a way that pays respects to all elements of the track. Lastly, the Black cartridges are the best at everything. They are true to the groove with resolution and accurate insight into each recording.

Ortofon have made their cartridges suitable for the majority of turntables on the market at the moment. With a wide range of available models, there is an Ortofon cartridge to suit everyone.