audio-technica AT700T Toroidal Transformer for MC Cartridge
Among Audio-Technica's MC step-up transformers, this unit is one of the few that employs a toroidal transformer.
Only three models were available: AT-1000/T (1981), AT-700/T (1982), and AT-800/T (1986).
It is no coincidence that all of these were released during the heyday of analog.
The characteristics and features of toroidal transformers are useful for boosting the voltage of MC cartridges that handle minute signals.
Its history eloquently demonstrates its exceptionally outstanding potential.
The impedance, which is a function to match the load of the cartridge being used, has three positions: 3/20/40Ω.
The method of switching to the input terminal on the back is to account for transmission loss at the toggle switch.
It may be a bit of extra work and troublesome, but it's based on the principle of prioritizing sound quality above all else.
In my opinion, the sound quality is sharp, clear, and well-defined, with a wide and extended range.
It possesses a dynamic sense of power and weight, making it an absolutely flawless piece of work.
It has three impedance settings to enjoy various cartridges, making it very user-friendly.
This product boasts top-notch basic performance, and I believe it achieves a high level of balance between performance and convenience.
This unit is the partner of the company's flagship diamond cantilever MC cartridge, the AT-1000, which was released in 1981.
This model is the younger sibling of the AT-1000T, while its older sibling, the AT-1000T, has two versions: one for 3Ω and one for 20/40Ω, each for the left and right channels.
With a total of four transformers installed and weighing 8 kg, it was an unprecedentedly heavy step-up transformer.
The following year, in 1982, the AT-700T, a successor to the AT-1000T, was released.
The number of transformers, which was previously four, has been reduced to two, with one 3/20/40Ω shared transformer for each of the left and right channels.
The chassis has been made smaller and lighter (though it still weighs 3 kg), and the method of mounting the transformer has been simplified.
Cost reductions were indeed made, but the transformer is still the same toroidal transformer.
From a materialistic approach that prioritizes sheer size and extreme weight, the goal is to maintain performance as much as possible.
As an MC step-up transformer, I was impressed by its well-thought-out design, which was put together with common sense in mind.
★ Product Details
Primary Impedance: 3Ω/20Ω/40Ω (replaceable pin plug)
Load Resistance: 47kΩ
Step-up Ratio: 34dB (3Ω) // 26dB (20Ω) // 23dB (40Ω)
Frequency Response: 10-80,000Hz
Weight: 3.0kg
★ Condition
There are some scratches and scuffs from use, but no major damage was found.
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