Denon DL103 vs Goldring 1042 on a Spacedeck

As it is used and the cartridge probably worn, get the Goldring, at least for the moment. Otherwise, get something like an AT95e or Nagaoka MP110 so you don't hurt your vinyl with a possibly worn Denon.

Goldring 1042 is rather bright  for  acoustic music , a good rock choice .

Last November I bought a used Nottingham Interspace SE with a 9" Interspace arm. I use it with a Zu DL-103 and an Auditorium 23 SUT. I love the combination. The smoothness of the Nott and the punch and dynamics of the Zu is terrific. I listen mostly to indie rock, electronic, and hip-hop. Some classical when the mood strikes.

About a month ago I wanted to try a Goldring 1042 I had lying around in my drawer. Based on the compliance tool on Vinyl Engine, it seemed like the Goldring would be a great match with the Interspace arm. But nope, I didn't like it with my Nott nearly as much. It was very dynamic, warmer than the Zu DL-103, but picked up much more surface noise. The Goldring is also a very low-riding cart, and no matter how much I tried to raise the VTA, even on only very slightly warped vinyl, the back of the cart would make contact with the disc. So that pretty much nixed the whole experiment and back in went the Zu.

My advice would be, forget about the Goldring...get an A23 SUT! It'll do wonders for your Denon.

Btw, this is my first post! I felt like the OP's question was begging for me to answer. :)

Sorry about commenting on an old thread but I'm just wondering about how you got on? I have an ace space deck with a 1042 and would like your opinion on the 1042 and deck?I feel like the space deck tonearm or wiring or platter removes some of the liveliness of most carts which adds a bit of sound stage but looses a tiny bit of punch (kick drum). With the 1042 I seem to get quite a brittle sound on lively music which can emphasise cymbals but when there is space and depth intended in the recording it really is almost breath taking, then instruments and vocals are there with you. I do miss a bit of that punch that I know is there on some other recordings and is really needed for rock type music.Do any of you have similar experiences or can recommend anything? I have shortened my TT cables now which seems to have maybe helped a tiny bit in regards to bring a bit more 'presence' to some passages due to less capacitance loading.
Considering the Denon despite it not on paper being right for this tonearm. Though I have hear the published compliance of the denon is at 100Hz not 10 and by that it shouldn't actually be tooooo bad.