Vinyl Asylum: REVIEW: CineMag CMQEE-3440A (with leads) Other by anumber1

Model:	CMQEE-3440A (with leads)
Category:	Other
Suggested Retail Price:	$46.73
Description:	Step Up Transformer for Moving Coil Phono Cartridges
Manufacturer URL:	CineMag
Model Picture:	View

Review by anumber1 on July 08, 2006 at 21:00:51
IP Address: 71.10.136.75

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for the CMQEE-3440A (with leads)

Upon the recommendation of a fellow Vinyl Asylum inmate and regular contributor, I purchased a pair of CineMag "microphone" step up transformers to use with my Denon DL-103 phono cartridge. Previously I had been using several other transformers (Ortofon T-10, Denon AU-300LC, Altec/Peerless 4722 Lundahl LL9206) and I am an avid DIY'er so I assembling the raw transformer cans into a housing and soldering up a set of RCA jacks wasn't a problem.
With their attractive price (just under $100 delivered to my door in Michigan) and flexible loading options these transformers seemed too good to be true. The Lundahl transformers are more expensive and must be mounted on a circuit board, greatly complicating a DIY installation. The Altec/Peerless 4722 is only available used or NOS and command quite a bit more than $100 on everyone's favorite auction site.
After comparing the sound of the CineMag CMQEE-3440A transformers using my Denon DL-103 cartridge mounted on my VPI HW-19 MkIII/SME 309 turntable for a month, between my stable of other step ups I have come to the conclusion that the CineMags are superior to all of my other transformers. They simply have a higher level of fidelity than anything else I own. The bass is tight and full, Mid-range clarity and excellent detail with vocals seem to be their forte. The high frequencies are reproduced without a hint of grain (light and airy are adjectives that come to my mind).
Simply put, the CineMag CMQEE-3440A step up transformers are the best I have used regardless of price or "rarity".
I have the primaries of the transformers wired up to utilize the 37.5 Ohm tap but 150 and 600 ohm taps are also available.
My completed set up, housed in a plastic project box and using high quality Neutrik Pro-Fi male RCA plugs and Gold Plated, Teflon insulated "Tiffany style" female RCA plugs cost about $125.
I would like to hear how the CineMag CMQEE-3440A transformers compare to the S&B step ups that are 10x more costly.

Product Weakness: Soldering skills, DIY assembly and parts gathering are required.
Product Strengths: Outstanding sound for the price.

Associated Equipment for this Review:
Amplifier:	Modified Heathkit W-5M monoblock Tube amps
Preamplifier (or None if Integrated):	Audio Research SP-6a
Sources (CDP/Turntable):	VPI HW-19 MkIII/SME 309/ Denon DL-103
Speakers:	Modified EPI 100's
Cables/Interconnects:	AQ Lapis, Beldon 89259 interconnects/AQ type 4 speaker wire
Music Used (Genre/Selections):	Rock, Blues, 60's Soul, 50's-60's jazz
Room Size (LxWxH):	13' x 15' x 11'
Room Comments/Treatments:	Plaster walls, hardwood floors with area rug, rear wall houses shelving containing 5000 records
Time Period/Length of Audition:	1 month
Type of Audition/Review:	Product Owner

Product Weakness:	Soldering skills, DIY assembly and parts gathering are required.
Product Strengths:	Outstanding sound for the price.