Denon DL 103 vs DL 103R

I had asked on a previous thread what a step-up does, and the response was that it boosts the signal to make it compatible with a MM phone stage. Couldn't I accomplish the same thing by using the cartridge with an external stage into a line input?

Yes, if the stage is itself suitable for the Denon's low output and loading.

Grimace,

Some phono stages aren't designed to provide sufficient gain for a moving coil (MC) cartridge (or they may be able provide sufficient gain, but it pushes the phono stage to the uppper end of its limits). A step-up transformer (SUT) can help in this situation.

For example, I used to own a Wright WPP-100c phono stage and a Shelter 501 mk II cartridge (MC). While technically I could get enough gain from the phono stage alone, the Wright isn't designed to work with low-output MC cartridges, and IMHO it didn't sound as good as when I used a step-up transformer along with the Wright WPP-100c phono stage. If I was using a high-output MC cartridge or a MM cartridge, a SUT may not be necessary.

Now I use an Ayre P-5xe with a Denon 103R cartridge. The Ayre phono stage is designed to work with low-output MC cartridges, so a SUT is not necessary.

This is an oversimplification, but you'll get the picture.

Grimace, some terminology might help to start with.

Preamps include a built in phono stage, otherwise it would be called a line stage.

Phono stages are separate units that can be paired with a line stage or added to a preamp line input. They perform at least two functions: RIAA compensation and some level of gain for the small level cartridge output signal. Many will provide only 35-40 dB or so gain, these will be designated MM (although they may work with high output MC cartridges). Some may provide two gain levels (low and high) and will be designated MM and MC. A very few could be high gain only and thus identified for MC.

Phono step-up devices contain only gain stages. They may be active circuits or transformer based. They do not include RIAA compensation so must be connected to a low gain phono stage when a low output cartridge (MC) is used.

If you want to try a Denon 103 or 103R, you have three choices. First would be to find a step up device (Denon introduced one about the same time as the original 103 and these can be found used for modest prices) to insert between your Rotel phono input and your tt. Second would be to get a phono stage designated for MC to insert between your Rotel line input and your tt. Third would be to replace your Rotel with a preamp that includes a MC input. I believe the 103 has 0.3 mV output and the 103R 0.4 mV if that guides you to the gain level needed.

I do not have experience with the cartridges you list so cannot comment on their differences. However, as you may have read, several hobbyists use one or the other of these Denon models, modified either for "nude" or wood bodied operation, and report they replaced cartridges costing more than the Sonata or Blackbird. Search the archives here and on Vinyl Asylum and draw your own conclusions.

Well, if I were going to go with the cartridge, in the process I would make sure that I had the appropriate phono-pre/stup-up for whatever cartridge I chose. It does seem like the step-up transformers are considerably less expensive that full phone stages. Thanks for the clarifications

In any event, based on the other comments, it sounds as if the 103 might be a bit warmer and more natural sounding, and the 103R might be a bit more detailed but clinical - or audiophile - sounding. Does that sound about right? I'd like to gain a little more defined soundstage depth.