Cartridge for Rega Planar 3?

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   

Greg makes a valid point, but if the Denon DL103 is a little low on the output side, consider the Denon DL110 - another top performer. Should be a great match for the Mani, but you will need to add a spacer to increase the mass to be compatible with the Rega arms.

Read the reviews at http://www.needledoctor.com/Denon-DL-110-Cartridge?sc=2&category=369

In the past I’ve tried a couple of Nagoka’s, but despite their Very clean, extremely detailed and well behaved performance, they were not quite as warm and as well balanced as the Denon’s.. Perhaps compliance was the issue?

The Goldring was an OK performer, but lacked the dynamics of the Denon 103.

The Rega Elys was just an all round disappointment - lacked details, clarity and dynamics. Perhaps the phono stage was the problem? Maybe, but the other carts fared much better. It should have been excellent, not mediocre.

The Grado I had was returned because the hum increased as the cartridge got closer to the motor on the Rega. It was a very nice cart, but has poor shielding - if any - such a shame.

I must admit I have a bias towards Denon, but that’s because they are so easy to setup and they are very forgiving when it comes to less than perfect setup. They are also top performers if you get setup spot on. And they can be tweaked to a level of excellence reserved for carts costing much much more

As far as turntables - I own(ed) a Rega and have spent 30 years tweaking and upgrading to get it to where I am happy - if I had my time over I’d look at a VPI. But there are some stellar performers from Music hall and Project.

Here are my tweaks - http://image99.net/blog/files/category-turntable-mod0027s.html

Try to get a turntable that has the drive belt that goes around the edge of the platter - it puts far less stress on the drive belt and gets the platter up to speed much quicker. Having the drive belt driving a subplatter, like the Rega, requires the operator to perform the "Rega Nudge" to reduce startup time.

Also - the glass platter on the Rega looks cool and keeps wow/flutter to a minimum - and that’s all it’s good for. you will spend time and money trying to get the perfect mat, or end up replacing it with an acrylic platter for best results

Hope that helps

After 2 month of neurotic uncertainty , I recently went for the Planar3 with a dynavector10x5 and dynavector phono preamp  I can't imagine you would be disappointed with the result  
For me and various friends audio nirvana .  Good luck with your final choice