IST-201
低インピーダンスMCカートリッジ用ステップアップトランス
楽曲の勢いや温度感を色づけなく再生
IST-201は、低インピーダンス（1Ω～6Ω）のMCカートリッジ用に設計された高性能昇圧トランスです。
IKEDAの伝統と技術が融合したこのトランスは、カートリッジの能力を最大限に引き出し、
音楽再生においてかつてない透明感と精度を提供致します。
主な特徴
1. 高性能コア材の採用
高い透磁率を持つ高品質な材料をコアに採用し、低歪み・低損失の昇圧を実現。
2. 厳選された終端抵抗
二次側には選定された高品質な終端抵抗を配置。
接続するオーディオケーブルや負荷インピーダンスの変動にも安定した性能と優れた周波数特性を提供。
3. フローティング接続構造
フローティング接続に対応し、通常接続とバランスフローティング接続が選択可能。
信号の純度を維持しつつ幅広い接続方法に対応。
4. 完全独立の磁気シールド
左右のトランスをそれぞれ独立したミューメタルケースで磁気シールドし、相互干渉を防止。
本体全体を導電性に優れた大型シールドケースで保護し、外部ノイズから信号を完全に遮断。
5. 精密なRCAコネクタ設計
ロジウムメッキを施した削り出しのRCAコネクタを絶縁プレートに直接取り付ける設計。
左右チャンネル間や入出力間での干渉を排除し、シャーシによる影響を防ぎ、微弱信号を忠実に保護。
6. 音楽表現力を引き出す優れた特性
IST-201は極めて高いS/N比、豊かな音場、透明感、再現性の高い低音域、
そして生き生きとしたエネルギー感を実現。
IKEDA 9シリーズカートリッジとの理想的な組み合わせはもちろん、
他の低インピーダンスカートリッジとも驚くべき相性を発揮。
仕様
- モデル: MCカートリッジ用昇圧トランス
- 入力インピーダンス: 1.0Ω ～ 6.0Ω
- 負荷インピーダンス: 47kΩ以上
- チャンネルセパレーション: 90dB以上（1kHz）
- 周波数特性: 10Hz ～ 100kHz ±0.6dB（3Ω/47kΩ）
- 昇圧率: 26dB
- チャンネルバランス: 0.1dB以内（1kHz）
- 外形寸法: 140mm(W) x 55mm(H) x 95mm(D)
- 重量: 1.7kg
※ 本製品には電源は不要です。
※ アンプにMC/MM切り替え機能がある場合はMMポジションでご使用ください。
～ IST-201は、高い解像度と透明感、豊かな低音域、そして滑らかな高音域を実現します ～
以下、英語表記です。 / English text follows.
Step-Up Transformer for Low-Impedance MC Cartridges
Faithfully Reproduces Musical Energy and Warmth Without Coloration
Faithfully Reproduces Musical Energy and Warmth Without Coloration
The IST-201 is a high-performance step-up transformer specifically designed for low-impedance (1Ω to 6Ω) MC cartridges.
Blending IKEDA’s tradition with advanced engineering, this transformer brings out the full potential of your cartridge,
delivering unprecedented clarity and precision in analog music playback.
Blending IKEDA’s tradition with advanced engineering, this transformer brings out the full potential of your cartridge,
delivering unprecedented clarity and precision in analog music playback.
Main features
・ High-Performance Core Material
Utilizes a premium core material with high magnetic permeability.
This ensures low-distortion, low-loss signal step-up, faithfully amplifying the cartridge’s output without coloration.
This ensures low-distortion, low-loss signal step-up, faithfully amplifying the cartridge’s output without coloration.
・ Carefully Selected Termination Resistors
High-quality termination resistors are precisely selected and placed on the secondary side.
They deliver stable performance and excellent frequency response, even when cable characteristics or load impedance fluctuate.
They deliver stable performance and excellent frequency response, even when cable characteristics or load impedance fluctuate.
・ Floating Connection Structure
Supports both conventional and balanced floating connections.
This flexible design preserves signal purity and allows for seamless integration with a variety of analog systems.
This flexible design preserves signal purity and allows for seamless integration with a variety of analog systems.
・ Completely Independent Magnetic Shielding
Each transformer unit is individually housed in its own mu-metal case, preventing magnetic interference between the left and right channels.
The entire body is further enclosed in a large, highly conductive shield case, effectively blocking external noise and preserving signal purity.
The entire body is further enclosed in a large, highly conductive shield case, effectively blocking external noise and preserving signal purity.
・ Precision RCA Connector Design
Rhodium-plated, precision-machined RCA connectors are mounted directly onto an insulated plate.
This layout eliminates interference between channels and between input/output paths, while isolating the delicate signal from chassis-induced noise.
This layout eliminates interference between channels and between input/output paths, while isolating the delicate signal from chassis-induced noise.
・ Outstanding Performance for Musical Expression
The IST-201 delivers exceptional S/N ratio, a richly layered soundstage, superb clarity, and highly accurate low-end reproduction—all infused with lively musical energy.
Not only is it an ideal match for IKEDA's 9-series cartridges, but it also offers outstanding synergy with a wide range of low-impedance MC cartridges.
Not only is it an ideal match for IKEDA's 9-series cartridges, but it also offers outstanding synergy with a wide range of low-impedance MC cartridges.
A Reviewer’s Impression After Listening to the IST-201
The IST-201 seems designed with a clear intention: to minimize any tonal coloration typically introduced by an MC step-up transformer. It conveys a strong sense of preserving the original signal, avoiding any unnecessary alteration of the sound.
Some may feel underwhelmed by this approach, especially if they expect a transformer to add its own distinctive character. But for those seeking purity, this design philosophy is deeply compelling.
Listening to Michelangeli, I was struck by the transparency and neutrality of the applause at the beginning—completely natural, with no added tint. The strings that follow are equally uncolored and delicate, and Michelangeli’s piano sounds lush, vivid, and remarkably beautiful. The transformer seems to disappear, letting the full charm of the music shine through.
What stood out next was the gentle warmth in the air and reverberation—an intangible but moving presence. In The Rite of Spring, the complex layering and polyrhythmic interplay of the orchestra come across vividly, offering a thoroughly enjoyable classical listening experience. Each instrument asserts itself where necessary, then blends harmoniously when the composition calls for it. I felt even traditional classical listeners would accept this presentation without hesitation.
With Berganza, the guitar and vocals are reproduced just as they were recorded. The liveliness and spirited flow of the performance rise naturally from the grooves. Ellington’s piano and bass are equally well-handled—rich in groove energy and faithfully reproduced, without artificial coloration or tonal shift.
Every listener has their own preferences, environments, and expectations. But even so, I can confidently say:
The IST-201 is a step-up transformer you can choose with confidence.
Specification
Model: Step-Up Transformer for MC Cartridges
Input Impedance: 1.0Ω to 6.0Ω
Load Impedance: 47kΩ or higher
Channel Separation: 90dB or more (1kHz)
Frequency Response: 10Hz to 100kHz ±0.6dB (3Ω / 47kΩ)
Gain: 26dB
Channel Balance: Within 0.1dB (1kHz)
Dimensions: 140mm (W) × 55mm (H) × 95mm (D)
Weight: 1.7kg
No external power supply required.
When using with an amplifier equipped with an MC/MM selector, please set it to the MM position.
''The IST-201 delivers high resolution and transparency, rich low-frequency response, and smooth high-frequency extension.''
