Welcome to Decware

This device was originally conceived for low-output Moving Magnet cartridges to increase the output level of the cartridge.    You may also use it with your favorite Moving Coil cartridge and step up transformer combo by adding it to the output of the transformer.

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Normally if you needed to increase the output level of a cartridge you would do it with a transformer, which works well and sounds great.  However when we got involved with London Decca phono cartridges we decided that we wanted something more transparent than a transformer and ideally something that would be adjustable so that we could level match the various cartridges without altering the gain structure of the playback system.

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We have found this to be a serious game changer with lower output cartridges, as expected, but were pleased to find out that even higher-output cartridges sound better with it.  In fact so far we can say that all cartridges could benefit from it.

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What you hear is the cartridge open up, become more alive, more present, pick up a huge dose of density and dynamics.  Interestingly these are the same descriptors used by those with high dollar cartridges to differentiate why they cost more.  

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Being able to adjust it while you listen and get it just right for you is where the magic is.  The tube used is a dual triode called a 6GM8, which has a 6.3 volt heater powered by four D-Cell batteries and the miracle of this tube is that it only needs 9 volts to operate which is easily accomplished with a single 9 volt battery.

There is a voltage meter so that you can monitor battery life, and an on/off switch to help you preserve battery life when you're not listening to it.  Additionally you will find that different battery types affect the sound.  Carbon batteries sound a touch different than Alkaline, and can be used as a tool for additional cartridge voicing.

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