As far as MC transformers are concerned, a high boosting ratio does not mean a high capability to get the best out of the record. When the ratio between the primary and secondary coils is large, output increases. In such cases, the frequency range decreases inversely with output, resulting in poor detail resolution. However, when the frequency range is paramount, detail may be reproduced but the final sound becomes weak due to winding resistance. Music contained in the grooves, that is, the most important element, can be ruined. So, to create a transformer that makes MC cartridges reach their full potential, both the output and reproduce range on the secondary side must be enhanced in a balanced manner. Therefore, the boosting ratio cannot be a criterion for the transformer's quality. Musically speaking, 26db is the limit for an IKEDA step-up transformer used for the preamplifier's phono terminal (32db for the former Fidelity Research's XF1.) Below this level, it is possible not only to reproduce the sound within the audible range but also to reproduce harmonic tones deprived from vibrations arising without the audible range. Here lies Isamu Ikeda's philosophy. He also selects transformer cores of the best possible quality. When he developed and released XF1 in the early 1960's, he used toroidal cores because they were the best cores available at the time. Now, however, the situation has changed. Transformers manufactured by IKEDA now use other quality cores and reproduce music even more beautifully.
Around the time when Fidelity Research released products that used troidal cores, an American manufacturer launched a product called "Non Troidal." The fact that products did not include troidal cores could be a selling point.
Model number: ST200 type 20L