Denon 103R on a MMF-7

I'm wondering if the 103R is a good fit for the Project at all, but I never tried it when I had an MMF 7. I would think a more compliant cartidge would be a better choice.

" - The male connections on the 103R are way too small for the female tonearem connections "

Have you tried, very carefully, to squeeze the female connectors closed a bit more for a tighter fit? Be very careful with the wires on the Project arm, they are very fragile. Just use your fingers to try and squeeze the connectors closed a bit.

" - The bolts don't fit throught the pickup hanger atop the tonearm. "

Are they too short or too fat?

I just remembered this, use a toothpick in the end of the clips as you gently squeeze them and that should prevent the possibility of collapsing them.

Should be a fun experiment if you can get the thing mounted! I never had enough faith in the Project bearings and dampening to try this, but what have you got to lose? You might try posting over on AudioAsylum if you haven't already. Someone may pip up who has just what you need. I do seem to remember that the Denon has a set of mounting bolts and knurled nuts (that sounds painful!) that are designed to tighten just so much. So keep that in mind if you find a generic set of nuts and bolts that get your 103R mounted. Don't forget to use the nylon washer for dampening, and only tighten just enough to hold the cartridge in place. No tools here if you can, or maybe just your finger as pliers and a small screw driver. The point is you want to finese this if you have to fasteners from the local hardware store. Even with the supplied hardware you will want to experiment with how tight you fasten the cartridge.

Just another few tips I pulled out me arse if you are successful at gettin it mounted. Try a record you're very familiar with first. If you hear any unusual buzzing or other signs of resonance overload, stop before you lose a lp and recheck everything. (I'm paranoid about resonance match with this arm and cart. I wish I could remember the effective weight of the Project 9!) Don't worry much about VTA with the 103R, it really doesn't care. VTA adjusting is a PITA with the Project. Just try to get the top line of the cartridge level with the lp surface. BTW, you can use the deck of cards trick to adjust VTA slightly from the starting point of level. The 103R does like a pretty hefty VTF so start at the top end of the recommended range. Once you get a hundred hours or so on it you can try backing off on the VTF. That makes the biggest difference on the 103R.

Most of all, have fun! It is a great cartridge and the MFF 7 has many fine points in its favour.

I forgot to thank you for the tip on buying through audio cubes. My 103R has issues (I did buy it used) so I'll be looking for a new one soon.