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Denon DL-103R or AT OC9MkII

I'm presently using a Grado Reference Platinum and I'm making a cartridge change. Tired of the Grado sound,i.e., looking for better highend extension and low frequency articulation, low level detail. Tonearm is a medium mass Sumiko MMT on a SOTA Sapphire table. Tube preamp and amp (will hardwire Lundahl trannies in preamp). I have a rather large record collection and musical tastes that run from classical, jazz, folk and rock.
I'm unable to audition cartridges since there are no higher-end dealers in my area and I must depend on the advice of others. Help me to decide between these two contenders.
bflodave
2 responses Add your response
twl
3,251 posts
 
They are both very good cartridges.

In your case, the decision is easy, because as much as I love the DL103R, it is not well suited to the MMT tonearm.

I vote for the OC9 in this particular case.
amandarae
512 posts
 
Oh boy! People at AA are almost "into blows" when these two cartridges are compared.

FWIW, I have the 103R on a Teres table and OL arm. My brother has the AT on a Teres table and OL illustrious arm.
Both sounds perfectly wonderful. On my 103R, I found that loading it at 100 Ohms is the best. On his AT, my brother is loading it at around 250 Ohms and the cart is performing brilliantly.

So, I would say that either one you come up with, you will be happy. Both are great carts IMHO.
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