Audio T Verdict
The Audio Note AN-S5/L is a specialist passive step-up transformer designed to partner very low-impedance moving-coil cartridges, particularly models from Audio Note's IO range.
Rather than adding gain through powered electronic circuitry, it uses custom transformers to increase the cartridge's voltage to a level suitable for a conventional moving-magnet phono stage.
Cartridge matching and physical placement are both critical, but within the right system the AN-S5/L provides a carefully engineered route for using an Audio Note IO cartridge with a high-quality MM phono input.
Audio Note AN-S5/L Moving-Coil Step-Up Transformer
The Audio Note AN-S5/L is a passive moving-coil step-up transformer designed to connect a very low-output MC cartridge to a moving-magnet phono stage.
Its transformers convert the cartridge's low-voltage, relatively high-current signal into a higher-voltage, lower-current signal that the MM phono stage can amplify and equalise.
The L version has a fixed 3O input impedance and is primarily intended for cartridges with an internal impedance of approximately 1O, including the Audio Note IO range.
This Is the Low-Impedance AN-S5/L Version
The AN-S5/L is not a universal or adjustable moving-coil transformer. Its 3O input is intended for very low-impedance cartridges.
Cartridge compatibility should be confirmed before ordering. Other AN-S5 versions are built with different fixed input impedances for cartridges requiring a different electrical match.
What Does a Step-Up Transformer Do?
A low-output moving-coil cartridge produces a signal that is usually too small for a normal moving-magnet phono input.
The AN-S5/L raises the voltage of that signal through transformer action without using powered amplification. The connected MM phono stage then provides the remaining gain and applies the required RIAA equalisation.
The AN-S5/L therefore does not replace a phono stage. It works before one as part of the complete cartridge amplification chain.
Correct Signal Path
- Moving-coil cartridge and tonearm
- AN-S5/L input sockets
- AN-S5/L output sockets
- Moving-magnet phono-stage input
- Amplifier line-level input
Not Suitable For
- Moving-magnet cartridges
- Direct connection to a normal line input
- Connection to an active MC input
- Cartridges requiring a much higher load
- Changing impedance through switches or controls
Designed for Audio Note IO Cartridges
Audio Note primarily designed the AN-S5/L for its low-impedance IO moving-coil cartridge family.
The
Audio Note IO I
provides a natural matching option, although the transformer can also be considered for another suitably specified low-output MC cartridge.
Audio Note advises that a transformer input impedance around three to four times the cartridge's internal impedance will usually provide the best starting point. The AN-S5/L's 3O input is therefore intended for cartridges with an internal impedance close to 1O.
Fixed 3O Input Impedance
The AN-S5/L does not use front-panel switches or adjustable loading controls.
Its transformers are built for one fixed 3O input specification, allowing the internal design and winding arrangement to be optimised for the intended cartridge range.
A cartridge with a substantially different internal impedance may require another version of the AN-S5 or a different Audio Note step-up transformer.
Custom Audio Note Transformers
The internal transformers are designed and manufactured by Audio Note in the UK rather than sourced as generic components.
Current production uses Audio Note's interleaved Super Mumetal 250 transformer cores with 99.99 per cent pure silver windings.
Mumetal is used for its magnetic properties and for the screening it can provide around a component handling an exceptionally small cartridge signal.
Mumetal Screening Canisters
Each transformer is enclosed within a substantial Mumetal screening canister to reduce the influence of nearby electrical and magnetic interference.
The transformer canisters are secured inside the chassis with a solid copper clamp, providing firm mechanical support for the delicate internal components.
Screening is particularly important at this point in the signal path because any noise introduced before the phono stage will be amplified along with the music.
Passive Operation
The AN-S5/L requires no mains connection, batteries, external power supply or warm-up period.
There are no valves, transistors, digital controls or active gain stages inside the unit. The cartridge signal passes through the transformers before being sent to the MM phono input.
Passive operation does not remove the need for careful matching. The relationship between the cartridge, transformer and phono-stage input remains central to the final result.
RCA Inputs and Outputs
Stereo RCA input sockets accept the left and right output cables from the tonearm or turntable.
A second stereo RCA pair carries the transformed signal to the moving-magnet input of the selected phono stage, preamplifier or integrated amplifier.
The right channel is normally identified in red, while the remaining sockets carry the left channel. Channel orientation must remain consistent throughout the complete system.
Grounding Connection
A dedicated grounding post is provided for tonearms and turntables fitted with a separate earth lead.
Where necessary, an additional ground connection can be made between the AN-S5/L and the grounding terminal on the phono stage or amplifier.
The quietest arrangement can vary between systems, so the grounding route may need to be tested rather than assumed.
Positioning to Reduce Hum
Step-up transformers can be sensitive to magnetic fields created by mains transformers, external power supplies and power cables.
Position the AN-S5/L close enough to the turntable and phono stage for sensible cable routing, but away from amplifiers, mains adapters and other products containing large transformers.
If hum is audible, move the transformer to another position and try rotating the chassis gradually. A small change in distance or orientation can significantly reduce magnetic interference.
Use Shielded Interconnects
Good-quality shielded interconnects should be used between the step-up transformer and the MM phono stage.
Cables carrying the cartridge signal should be routed away from mains leads and should not be tightly bundled with power cables.
Keep connection lengths practical and avoid placing unnecessary adapters or joints in the low-level signal path.
Anodised Aluminium or Black Acrylic Fascia
The AN-S5 is available with a choice of anodised aluminium or black acrylic fascia.
The Audio T product options currently identify these as aluminium and black versions. The internal transformer specification remains the same, so the choice is primarily visual.
Availability and current build lead times should be confirmed when ordering.
AN-S5 Impedance Versions
Audio Note currently lists four AN-S5 versions for cartridges with different internal impedances.
- AN-S5/L: 3O input, primarily for the Audio Note IO range
- AN-S5/LM: 12O input, for cartridges around 3O to 4O
- AN-S5/M: 27.5O input, for cartridges around 7O to 9O
- AN-S5/H: 48O input, for cartridges around 12O to 16O
This Audio T product page is specifically for the AN-S5/L. The other versions should only be supplied after the cartridge specification has been confirmed.
Key Features
- Passive moving-coil step-up transformer
- Low-impedance AN-S5/L version
- Fixed 3O input impedance
- Primarily designed for Audio Note IO cartridges
- Connects to a moving-magnet phono-stage input
- No mains connection or external power supply required
- Custom Audio Note transformer design
- Interleaved Super Mumetal 250 transformer cores
- 99.99 per cent pure silver transformer windings
- Mumetal transformer screening canisters
- Solid copper internal transformer clamp
- Stereo RCA inputs and outputs
- Dedicated grounding post
- Specified channel balance of ±0.3dB
- Anodised aluminium or black acrylic fascia
- Two-year manufacturer warranty
Frequently Asked Questions
What cartridge is the AN-S5/L designed for?
It is primarily designed for Audio Note IO moving-coil cartridges and other suitable cartridges with an internal impedance close to 1O.
Does it replace a phono stage?
No. Its output must connect to a suitable moving-magnet phono input, which provides the remaining gain and RIAA equalisation.
Can it connect directly to an amplifier line input?
No. A conventional AUX, CD or line input does not provide the phono gain or equalisation required for record playback.
Can it be used with a moving-magnet cartridge?
No. It is designed to increase the output of a compatible low-output moving-coil cartridge.
Is the input impedance adjustable?
No. The AN-S5/L has a fixed 3O input. Other AN-S5 versions are manufactured for cartridges with higher internal impedances.
Does it require mains power?
No. It is a completely passive transformer and has no mains connection, batteries or external power supply.
Why can a step-up transformer produce hum?
Its internal transformers can pick up magnetic fields from mains transformers, power supplies and power cables. Moving or rotating the unit can often reduce the noise.
Which phono input should I use?
Connect the AN-S5/L output to a standard 47kO moving-magnet phono-stage input, not an active moving-coil input.
What finish options are available?
The fascia is available in anodised aluminium or black acrylic, subject to current production and availability.
Why Buy From Audio T?
- Experienced Audio Note vinyl-system specialists
- Moving-coil cartridge impedance checks
- Help choosing the correct step-up transformer version
- Phono-stage and MM input compatibility advice
- Grounding and hum-reduction assistance
- Turntable and cartridge setup support
- In-store demonstrations through participating branches
- Ongoing system setup and servicing support
Contact your local Audio T store
to confirm that the AN-S5/L is the correct electrical match for your cartridge and phono stage.