Other devices — fonolab SVPER QVATTVOR Quinquennial

The SVPER QVATTVOR Quinquennial is an MC step-up transformer made by fonolab, a company that develops transformer-based interface systems for MC and MM phono playback. It belongs to the QVATTVOR family, where every model handles the signal in fully differential form, and fonolab describes the SVPER QVATTVOR as its Reference Balanced MC Transformer System and the most complete MC implementation of that architecture.

Key specs that matter

Two switchable step-up ratios are offered, 1 to 33 and 1 to 10, for cartridges of very low and moderate output. Input impedance is 0 to 5 ohm or 40 ohm, depending on the ratio, and output impedance is 4 kohm. Frequency response extends from 10 Hz to 120 kHz within +0.5 dB and -1.0 dB, channel balance stays within 0.5 dB, and phase shift remains within 10 degrees from 20 Hz to 50 kHz. The steel chassis is 386 mm wide, 295 mm deep and 95 mm high, with a weight of 11 kg.

Engineering and use context

Each channel runs through a matched pair of transformers in a fully balanced configuration, and the QVATTVOR structure is true dual mono, with complete channel and field separation inside the magnetic circuit. The unit offers two independent MC inputs, and each accepts either RCA or XLR plugs. The RCA input works as a floating differential interface, so a cartridge wired with ordinary phono plugs is still processed in balanced form within the transformer itself. fonolab sets up signal symmetry in the magnetic structure rather than with active differential circuitry, which lets channel matching, grounding, cartridge loading and noise rejection be handled at the transformer stage. Grounding management includes a ground-lift control, and an integrated demagnetization function clears residual magnetism from the cores. The rigid steel enclosure provides shielding and damping, and switching is done with Grayhill and NKK components. A related MC+MM version adds a dedicated MM input through a 1 to 2 balanced interface stage.

Pairing

The output feeds an MM phono stage, or the MM input of a combined phono stage, through either RCA or XLR, so a balanced phono preamplifier keeps the differential path intact from cartridge to gain stage. The 1 to 33 position belongs with low-impedance, low-output MC cartridges, and the 1 to 10 setting with higher-impedance designs that already deliver more voltage. With two inputs, owners can keep two tonearms or two cartridges connected and select between them, such as a mono pickup next to a stereo one.

Alternatives

The fonolab DECVS is a dedicated balanced MC transformer with a fixed 1 to 36 ratio for low-output, low-impedance cartridges, in a compact 155 x 215 x 70 mm chassis.