Quadratic MC-1 Moving Coil Transformer

Quadratic Audio’s objective was to design the best moving coil transformer possible, realizing the design obstacles were daunting. The main issues being frequency response, noise, distortion and proper grounding. On paper a transformer is the ideal step-up device for a moving coil cartridge but proper implementation and design can be difficult.

Quadratic Audio worked in conjunction with CineMag, a leading manufacturer of audio transformers for the professional recording industry since 1975. This collaboration has produced a unique transformer, incorporating several proprietary technologies that works with virtually all type of moving coil cartridge.

The design employs a Faraday shield (for low noise), hydrogen annealed laminations with a unique fabrication process and manufactured with exacting standards and superior materials. The design has extremely high hum and radio frequency interference rejection, wide bandwidth along with low phase shift for superior imaging and detail retrieval.

The transformers are mounted in a custom steel enclosure further isolating the transformers which are mounted on a printed circuit board to minimize crosstalk between channels. Truly a technical and design tour de force.