Audio Technica AT-33PTG vs Denon 103R cartridge


Hi Folks, These are top rated carts on Vinyl Engine, and I through I would ask A-Goners. The AT is about $200 more than the 103R. Anyone have experience with the two? Is the AT worth the extra money (40% more!)

BTW, I will be using this with an MMF 5.1 table, Music Hall MM/MC Phono stage, Jolida 501 integrated tube amp, and my venerable Celestion Ditton 66 speakers.
128x128tojohndillonesq
I agree with Doak's comment that the 103R lacks finesse. That in a nutshell is my main objection to it. I haven't heard the 33PTG, but I am quite familiar with the 33EV and it is a really good cartridge by any measure. It's also an amazing bargain.
Have any of you PTG users compared the series I to the II?
Both appear to be still available online - with the series 1 cheaper.
While compliance appears the same (and highish for an MC) - the PTG series II is lower output than the PTG series I - 0.3 vs 0.5mV - and correspondingly lower resistance/inductance (from less windings one presumes).
All things being equal, lower output versions often tend to have a more pure/immediate sound.
What have users found?
Tobes: Yep, the Series II is a bit of a different animal. I haven't heard it. The coil resistance is different too - 17 ohm for the Series I vs. 10 ohm for the series II. This too could affect how well they match with various phono preamps/and SUTs.

I can say that I've been through 3 AT33PTG using a modded EAR 834P -- stock SUT - and IMO it's a marriage made in heaven. :-0

Doak
Doak, my intention would be to use the PTG with my Choir Audio H7 SUT on its high gain setting (1:28 ratio) - this works superbly with the Denon 103R in my system.
I think the PTG-II would likely be the better match in terms of both output and impedence matching.....though you can never tell for sure without trying.
Love to hear from someone who has actually tried the PTG with the H7 SUT.
Finally returned to this post... years later. Still have the MMF 5.1, but now using a Roland model 1 amp, Audible Illusions preamp, and Cotter mkII mc stage. Also got Aerial model 9s, so only the tt is the same. Finally time to upgrade the cart. IMHO the 103r is vastly better than the Goldring 1022. I’m after the Model ii if affordable .