Denon 103r and the SpinStage transimpedance phono preamp


I have a stable of cartridges all mounted up and ready to go for when I feel like changing up the sound a little. Most of them are more modest than my regular cartridge. My "daily-driver" is a Ortofon Synergy G SPU cartridge, which I run through a Zesto Andros ll phono preamp.  I like the combo a lot. But tonight I mounted up the Denon 103r, and hooked it up to a $250 SpinStage phono preamp. 

 

I was really surprised to find how thoroughly engaging the sound was. It was descriptive and rich at the same time. I would have no problem with this combo being in daily use. I wondered if it was the Denon's good match for the transimpedance-style phono preamp that was making me so happy. 

 

I am well aware that the amount of money spent, in almost all endeavors,  does not guaranty satisfaction. But this combination kind of reset my thinking about  the art of phonography. Does anyone else have inexpensive cartridge/phono preamp combos that light them up?

 

David

dtorc

Been running Denon dl103R on my Linn Axis for years.  Set up right on proper higher mass tonearm, it's an end gamer for all but the most obsessed.

Thanks for you thoughts. I guess I just count my blessings that for me, this combo of the D103r and the Spinstage works. Still some mysteries in Audio...

It’s not a mystery.  You may find that TI sounds even better with a LOMC that has a much lower internal R. Or not. You will probably get more apparent gain with a lower internal R cartridge, but apparently you don't need it.