Cartridge for Rega Planar 3?

@rar1

Not sure why the snarky comment, or how it helps anything. 

If you read my post, I wrote UP TO $1000.  I didn't say $1000. 

Also, are you saying that when using a receiver one cannot tell the difference between a $200 cartridge and a $800 cartridge?  I find that ridiculous.  I have not run a turntable in maybe 15 years, but in the past I enjoyed great sound with a turntable connected to a receiver.

Not being snarky, I was just trying to understand the logic.  If you look at some of the turntable packages out there (Pro-ject for example), their $800 or so turntables will come with a $200 or so cartridge.  

Without knowing your receiver, it will most likely handle a MM type cartridge, but only a high-output MC type cartridge.  So, at the mid to upper range of your cartridge budget, you may need to consider an outboard phono preamp to get the most out of your purchase.

So yes, you may not be able to tell the difference or possibly, the more expensive cartridge will not sound much better or you may need to crank your receiver up to a volume level where it maxes out.   

On the surface, it seemed to me like you may wind up with a mismatch and orpheus' comments seemed to be the most on point.

Like yourself. I am back using a turntable after 20 years.  It has not been a straightforward experience.  Certainly not plug n play and enjoy.  So,  you may get the best cartridge for the Rega arm, but you will be limited by the rest of your components.  

Ergo my questions.

Interesting enough, with all my noodling with turntables over the last 2 or 3 years, I have come to appreciate more what CDs add to the mix.

I wish I had experience with the Rega or knew your other components to add a useful recommendation.  Personally, the Denon DL 103 is the one I would look at closely.  Also, at $50, the Shure SC35C that Herb Reichert reviewed in Stereophile is a blast to use and the one that my ears seem to like.  I included a link to Herb's review of the Planar 3, he liked the Rega Exact at $600.

http://www.stereophile.com/content/gramophone-dreams-14-rega-planar-3#UmduaApH03MXfF1G.97

http://www.stereophile.com/content/gramophone-dreams-3-shure-sc35c#IRdredCJIMf7BVhD.97

Rich

Erichsh - ....

Willie, did you have to shim your Rega arm for the Denon DL103?

if you are referring to shims under the arm post to adjust the VTA...

If I recall correctly, I already had shims under the arm post for the previous cartridge.

It's pretty standard practice to shim Rega arms for VTA adjustment - so I have a supply of shims on hand. 

Now it's no longer concern, because I upgraded to the Audiomods Series III "Classic" arm with micrometer adjustment.

Thanks

Mtrot - from reading your posts - you have a MM input and would like to use it.

But having been down that route, I would still recommend you to consider the Schiit Mani phono stage. It is more likely to provide much better SQ and give you full MC capability for a very reasonable price.

Granted - it is yet another component on the rack, but it is pretty small and can be hidden easily.

The total for the Denon DL103 + Mani is $360.

Regards...

To mtrot and to add to williewonka's comments, you definitely might want to consider an outboard phono pre.  I recently pulled the trigger on the Mani and am quite delighted with it compared to other phono stages I've tried.  I also spent similar money on an outboard linear power supply unit that added more to mix and dramatically reduced noise.

As for cartridges, one that I've wanted to try is the Nagaoka MP-110.  At $125 it's way below your budget but from what I've heard it's a screaming deal that delivers well beyond carts 3X more.  Also, it has 5MV output so you can run it through anything.  Currently I'm running HOMC's on my primary table so may not get around to trying one for a while unless I ever decide to set up a third table in a spare room.

As for the Mani and the DL-103.  I'm, betting that this wouldn't be a great match.  The Mani is inherently a little noisy and with the high-gain required by the DL-103 (.3MV) I don't know if it would cut it - I would think that it would be a little anemic and/or noisy.  Most reviews I've heard about the Mani is that it does great (for the money in particularly) on MM / HOMC cartridges but not best suited for a low output MC.  The Mani only offers a max gain of 59db at its highest setting - that would be the minimum gain I would ever want to run on the Denon.

Mtrot - Are you using a Mani with your Dl-103?  If so, what are your impressions and are you running into a line level or an MM stage for the additional gain.

Thanks 

Greg