Cartridge for Rega Planar 3?

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

@williewonka,@greg

Thanks for the tips on the Mani.  I may have to consider some phono stage that works with both MM and HOMC or MC cartridges, as it would give me a lot more options.  I don't yet have the turntable, but leaning towards the P3.  Just trying to learn.

That makes a difference.  It sounded like you had the Rega already and that trying to get the best cartridge was the goal.

TT and cartridge selection seems to require a lot more knowledge these days.  Almost too much information to take in and then use.   

Have you considered buying a package such as the Project Classic?

http://www.needledoctor.com/Pro-Ject-Classic-Turntable_2?sc=2&category=352

I am taking delivery on one today and will report back at some point.  I wanted something that was clearly the next step or two up from an entry level TT and I wanted less fuss.  It is a departure from my fascination with direct drive TTs.  

I have a Mani in one system (with a Prima Luna PL5 and Musical Fidelity CD Pre 24).  It was a no-brainer purchase at $130.  The ADCOM GTP II preamp from 25 years ago was not cutting it (yet it seemed to do the trick 25 years earlier).  The other amp in the other system (Rega Brio) has a built in phono section.  Arriving at the right cartridge, or almost right cartridge, is a chore at times.  Price is certainly not a good guide.  Once you reach a certain price point ($250 or so), you move out of MM land and into the daunting world of MC cartridges.  


Rich