@cheeg - in case you have not yet decided on a cartridge - here’s a vote for the Denon103 - why?
Right of the bat - this is a very good cartridge, i.e. as long as it is compatible with your arm
Next - there are quite a few versions available
So my point is - the 103 can grow with you and your system
I have a standard 103 and one with a Soundsmith modified cantilever/stylus - both fitted with the brass shim. For the same money I do not believe there is a significantly better cartridge than the 103.
It has been a workhorse of broadcasting for decades and with the tweaks can compete with cartridges many times its price.
It also responds very nicely to a good arm - I have an Audiomods Classic arm that brings out the very best this cartridge is able to provide.
That’s my vote - Steve
Right of the bat - this is a very good cartridge, i.e. as long as it is compatible with your arm
Next - there are quite a few versions available
- Zu has a version mounted in their aluminum head-shell
- Soundsmith can pprovide a few tweaks from nuding to wooden head-shells
- you can buy a number of third party wooden head-shells and mount a nuded 103 into them yourself if you have the courage and abilities :-)
- or simply eopoxy a brass shim to provide more stability (see link)
So my point is - the 103 can grow with you and your system
I have a standard 103 and one with a Soundsmith modified cantilever/stylus - both fitted with the brass shim. For the same money I do not believe there is a significantly better cartridge than the 103.
It has been a workhorse of broadcasting for decades and with the tweaks can compete with cartridges many times its price.
It also responds very nicely to a good arm - I have an Audiomods Classic arm that brings out the very best this cartridge is able to provide.
That’s my vote - Steve