2. analog
  3. 149658-7

Best cheapo Cartridge

In a bind, I have 2 cartridges that have seen better days.   My Ortofon Jubilee has at least 1500 hours on it and I’m starting to hear a drop in performance.  My Transfiguration Proteus only has 450 hours but is on the fritz and they are OOB.

I have too many irons in the fire to spend alot and need one to hold me over for a while.  Thinking about a MM, like Ortofon or Grado.  Would be mating with a Basis Vector 4 tonearm, Basis 2200 sig, and either Allnic H3000 or ARC PH 5.  Speakers are Thiels.  

Analog heads please give me some advice.   I have no experience with MM or MI or than many cartridges in my system  for that matter.  


pops
vpi's avatar
vpi
223 posts
 
@rauliruegas,@rauliruegas,  I just sent my 103 M off to Andy Kim at Needle Clinic for an upgrade.  I'll let you know how it sounds when it comes back.  The 103 M is a very low output MC at .12 mv.   That said, running it through a Herron VTPH 2a into my CAT SL-1 gives me more than enough gain.  
Cheers,
H
Ag insider logo xs@2x
rauliruegas
13,095 posts
 
Dear @vpi  : Really low output and similar to its very top brother DL 1000A, I owned this one. My latest model was the DS1.

Good luck with the re-ttiped sample.

R.
vpi's avatar
vpi
223 posts
 
Hello @rauliruegas ,
My Denon DL 103 M arrived back from Needle Clinic with boron cantilever and micro ridge stylus.  Very smooth without being being too sweet.  Nice extension on the top and bottom.  Lots of heft in lower midrange/upper bass.  I'm very pleased with it.  I'd say it competes with MC cartridges in the $2000 + range.  My total investment $650.  Don't know if this qualifies as "cheapo" but in my experience you would have to spend at about three times that to find a MC its equal.
Ag insider logo xs@2x
rauliruegas
13,095 posts
 
Dear @vpi  : Good and for what you said Needle Clinic made a good job.

In the other side 650.00 for that kind of quality levels is really good and almost a bargain.

Enjoy it !

R.
chakster's avatar
chakster
6,144 posts
 
Denon DL 103 M arrived back from Needle Clinic with boron cantilever and micro ridge stylus.  I'm very pleased with it. I'd say it competes with MC cartridges in the $2000 + range. My total investment $650.  

At this price (or very close) there are many decent original MC cartridges available with Boron Cantilever and MicroRidge diamond. What's the point to invest in Denon 103 refurbishing? I just don't understand it, sorry.   


More to discover