Etch is correct. The Denon 103 is a time-lasting standard with the affordability of a very self-assured cartridge. Perhaps it is the most self-assured moving-coil cartridge on on the market. It would be my first choice.

As for Jim Hagerman, he is part of a modern generation of engineers who have really studied the RIAA curve and have managed to put out phono-preamps that can offer state-of-the-art engineering at a low-cost price-point. He is a developer striving to gain a no-b.s. foothold in the market against products whose marketability is reliant on $300 capacitors, $3K cables, and a liberal sprinkling of audiophile pixie dust.

Some may say that with DIY audio, what you see is what you get, but I see that as an endorsement, considering the bullshit over-pricing of high-end components through some store-front willing to say anything to pay their bills.

good preamp + good needle and you're set

Brinkman wrote:Etch is correct. The Denon 103 is a time-lasting standard with the affordability of a very self-assured cartridge. Perhaps it is the most self-assured moving-coil cartridge on on the market. It would be my first choice.

As for Jim Hagerman, he is part of a modern generation of engineers who have really studied the RIAA curve and have managed to put out phono-preamps that can offer state-of-the-art engineering at a low-cost price-point. He is a developer striving to gain a no-b.s. foothold in the market against products whose marketability is reliant on $300 capacitors, $3K cables, and a liberal sprinkling of audiophile pixie dust.

Some may say that with DIY audio, what you see is what you get, but I see that as an endorsement, considering the bullshit over-pricing of high-end components through some store-front willing to say anything to pay their bills.

Bravo. DIY has been really fun to me but I also understand people not wanting to get into because of it's obsessive nature or perhaps a lack of interest. I realized fairly quickly that I wanted top notch stuff but wasn't going to be setting up a two hundred thousand dollar system, so I built my own.

For laughs go to the Steve Hoffman forum, a lot of guys over there (not all) use dumb sports cars analogies and stuff in comparing audio gear to other high-end products. The idea is that you not hearing it unless you have the most recommended component by whatever magazine, most of these guys don't know shit about what's inside any of this stuff, it's a status symbol to them: their new 'reference.'

etch wrote:
The cart you are looking at has a low output much like a moving coil cartridge. If you want something low output, I recommend the Denon Dl 103, it's one of the best moving coil's ever made. The standard 103 is around $150 new, which is also nice. Don't let the price fool you, I'm heavy into this stuff and have heard a lot of high end carts and the 103 does everything right, I could live with it forever.

all due respect and stuff, and the DL 103 is very nice for $225, but it is far from the best cartridge ever made.

even Denon makes a DL 103R and the DL 304, which are upgrades from the 103.

I'm glad you like yours, though. I am sure it matches well with your system.

the$inmusicisallmine wrote:all due respect and stuff, and the DL 103 is very nice for $225, but it is far from the best cartridge ever made.

I think Etch was speaking in terms of a "performance-per-dollar" respect, but I may be reading too much into it. I know the model has been a standard for quite some time...

There's assuredly better MC cartridges out there, but I can't think of a more tried-and-true one to recommend. At any rate, that has little bearing on the burgeoning audiophile, though I think we all agree a good source is key to good sound.

The 103 is a low compliant cart, it has to be mated to a high mass arm to hear it's true capabilities, otherwise it's prone to chatter. The 304 is not an upgrade, completely different animal, to me it's nowhere near as good or 'right' as the 103. The 103r could be considered an upgrade but I can't say for sure that it sounds better. Mine is re-tipped with a Ruby cantilever and special diamond but the stock 103 is just fine; the 103R also sounds great and still relatively cheap.

What's the 'best' cart ever made? I didn't say that it was the best, it is one of the best, in my opinion, which really has very little bearing.

My drummer recommended this turntable to me. What do you all think?

It's a Music Hall mmf5.1 se with goldring cartridge:

Brett Eugene Ralph wrote:What do you all think?

dead sexy.

Thanks for all the advice, y'all, especially from etch and the$inmusicisallmine. I finally decided against both the Rega and the Music Hall and have opted to get a restored vintage Acoustic Research turntable from Vinyl Nirvana:



The first record I'm gonna play on this thing is an original pressing of Tonight's the Night. I almost wish I still smoked weed.

Sweet!