Rothwell Moving Coil Transformer

My Koetsu Rosewood signature has arrived back and is now happily back on the Orbe. When I set it up I decided to try some new step up devices. I started, as recommended by Absolute Sounds, with plugging in direct to the phono input of my Art Audio VPS Pre-amp and increasing the gain by using the active setting. This was very good but for me no cigar. The Art phono input has always been good (their stand alone phono stages are legendary) and in the past I have used this with low output moving magnets such as the Grados with great results but, for me this did not match as well as I wanted. I knew what the Rosewood Sig was capable of and that is were I was headed. Next I tried a couple of Phono Stages including a Michell Iso a MF XLPS and a couple of others which were very good but, not quite right for me (though I almost fell for the Graham Slee).

I have to be honest always liked transformers for MCs Even though I used to design and make my own head amps in the early 80’s. I tried the Ortofon’s classic T-15s which are built into outsize screened phono plugs and might have settled for them except, I remembered I had I Rothwell MC Transformer in the drawer.

This is a well constructed unit in an extruded aluminium case with high quality gold plated RCA sockets and a nickel plated earth binding post on the rear. Internally two Mu metal screened transformer cans sit on a high quality circuit board. This screening should prevent stay magnetic and RF interference. The whole thing has great mechanical integrity which can only add to sound quality an prevent microphony. Gain is quoted at 24dB which should be adequate for any input. DC Impedance is I understand around 300 Ohms.

How does it sound?

I was sceptical as too how the Rothwell would perform as at under £300.00 it is £2000.00 cheaper than Kooetsu's own transformer in the UK. I plugged it in and dropped the stylus into the groove and instantly that lucidity I had been expecting was there in spades. Hugely detailed and dynamic with no sign of saturation. Paul Rogers voice on Bad Company's first album had a tangibility and Mick Ralphs's guitar seemed driving and rhythmic. The combination with the Rothwell seemed organic and right. On the Bach one knew the Violins were made of wood and not just cat gut. Jazz, Rock and Classical were all auditioned and combination with the Rothwell was not found wanting.

The only downside was a very slight bass lightness which I feel will be dealt with by impedance matching. when I have tried it out I will report further as, on trying the system with an Ortofon MC10 this lightness was not noted and the Rosewood Sig is more than a match for the old Ortofon in the Bass department.

Conclusion

A well made unit that performs well and sound very good indeed. If you have an amp or phono stage that works well on moving magnet try and audition this unit before spending any more. Highly recommended. For more info click here