Audio Note (UK) AN-S8 Step-Up Transformer

Most of you reading this will be familiar with the need for step-up transformers with moving-coil phonograph cartridges, but just in case you aren’t, let me share what Audio Note (UK) has to say about them:

“The AN-S8 is a passive device, designed to convert the mainly current output of your moving coil cartridge (MC) to a higher voltage, low current signal of sufficient strength to allow a moving magnet (MM) phono stage to amplify it to a suitable level.”

Above: AN-S8/L step-up transformer.

There are some notable aspects of the AN-S8 SUT you’ll want to be aware of, like the custom silver transformers, the PALLAS II output cable, and the four impedance options available that will be the appropriate match for the internal impedance of your particular moving-coil phonograph cartridge. 

Above: AN-S8/L step-up transformer.

Regarding the custom silver transformers, Audio Note (UK) says this:

“The internal transformers used in the AN-S8 are manufactured by Audio Note (UK) exclusively. They are the finest possible transformers available today, producing a level of information retrieval that is unsurpassed by any other such devices. They use our own interleaved Super Mumetal 250 cores, 99.99% pure silver wire, and are housed in large Mumetal screening canisters to minimize noise and interference. The transformer cans are then secured inside the chassis with a solid copper clamp, offering the best possible support for these delicate devices.”

Above: AN-S8 features hardwired silver output cables.

The AN-S8 departs from the SUT norm by featuring hardwired interconnect cables that go from the AN-S8 to the phono preamplifier. Here’s what Audio Note (UK) says about this feature:

“All versions of the AN-S8 now come fitted with our low capacitance Purple PALLAS II silver output cable as standard, hardwired to the secondaries of the transformers.”

The hardwired interconnects are a great idea, as that eliminates one pair of male RCAs and their associated solder joints on the SUT side, and one pair of female RCA inputs and solder joints on the AN-S8’s chassis. Not having the low-level MC output signal go through those RCA connectors and solder joints makes for a cleaner signal path with less degradation for delicate MC signals. 

Above: Left to right, are hardwired PALLAS silver cables, RCA inputs, and a grounding post. 

The AN-S8 is available in four versions to match the internal impedance of your moving-coil phonograph cartridge. 

• AN-S8/L  - 3 Ohm input impedance - primarily designed for use with the Audio Note (UK) IO range of moving-coil cartridges.
• AN-S8/LM - 12 Ohm input impedance - for cartridges with an impedance of 3 to 4 Ohms.
• AN-S8/M - 27.5 Ohm input impedance - for cartridges with an impedance of 7 to 9 Ohms. 
• AN-S8/H - 48 Ohm input impedance - for cartridges with an impedance of 12 to 16 Ohms.

About your particular cartridge’s internal impedance, Audio Note (UK) offers the following advice:

“It is possible to use our transformers with cartridges that have greater internal impedance, or values that are outside the preferred ranges of the standard inputs. However, it is important to realize that an input impedance in the region of three to four times the internal impedance of your cartridge will usually provide the best results.”

“If your chosen cartridge has an internal impedance that does not reasonably accurately match one of the standard input impedance values, please consult your Audio Note (UK) dealer for further advice regarding which SUT to choose.”

For those interested, you can read more about the AN-S8 step-up transformer (SUT) in the user manual HERE. 

The AN-S4 and the AN-S8 step-up transformers:

• Both the AN-S4 and AN-S8 internal transformers are manufactured by Audio Note (UK) exclusively.
• The AN-S4's transformers are made from 0.1mm laminated Super Mumetal 250 and wound with 99.99% pure silver wire.
• The AN-S8's transformers are interleaved Super Mumetal 250 cores and wound with 99.99% pure silver wire.
• The AN-S4 and AN-S8 transformers are housed in Mumetal screening canisters to minimize noise and interference. 
• The AN-S4 and AN-S8 transformer canisters are secured inside the chassis with solid copper clamps. 
• Both the AN-S4 and AN-S8 in 3 Ohm input impedance, 12 Ohm input impedance, 27.5 Ohm input impedance, and 48 Ohm input impedance versions.

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