Recommend an MC Cartridge for my TT15S1 and...


I recently acquired a wonderful Burmester 897 Preamp to join my Marantz/ Clearaudio TT15S1 turntable with the carbon Satisfy arm. The Burmester has an adjustable MC phonostage installed.
So I am looking for suggestions for a suitable MC cartridge. Two options are possible contenders: the Clearaudio Concept MC cartridge and the Denon 103R. Costs USD$1k vs $290...big difference.
I read one Audiogoner story here where the Denon didn’t work with the Satisfy arm. I’ve tried finding that post again but can’t. If that was an exception then I next need to adjust the Burmester to fit the Denon.
I welcome your guidance.
128x128johnread57

Showing 1 response by vpi

Could not disagree more strenuously with the quote from Romy the Cat. I’m running a Denon DL-103M on a refurbished Garrard 301 with Ortophon T-110 arm into an Audio Research PH-3 then a CAT Sl-1. While it is not the equal of my Van den Hul Black Beauty Special X or Lyra Delos, it has nothing to be ashamed of. It is very dynamic, musical and extended.

While I believe the phrase "giant killer" is far too often used in our hobby, The DL-103M will compete with cartridges costing 5 to 10 times its price. A word of caution, however.  It is a fairly low output cartridge. Be sure your preamp/phono stage has the gain to support it.