Building high-end 'tables cheap at Home Despot II

Lewm,

You should get terrific results from a low output MC, I've used them exclusively on my Lenco and I highly recommend them, especially the 103. The step-up is important and for that you should try to find some beyer dynamic trasformers (Jensen) they are the prefect ratio for the 103 and it makes for an amzing step up. Do a google on mic transformers as step ups to read up on it, in fact, here is the JE Labs page :

http://members.myactv.net/~je2a3/mic-mcstep-up.htm

Thanks, Etch and Frankhertz. Don't need no stinkin' step-up, because I just finished modifying my phono stage for more gain, and it's working great driven by my Koetsu Urushi. (Seriously, if I did require a step-up, the Jensen would be my first choice, too.) My motive in asking about LOMCs was simply that I perceived that most folks who have Lencos seemed to be using high-ish output cartridges, and I wondered if there was a reason for avoiding LOMCs. But my generalization was inaccurate, because I've had some private responses that indicate lots of Lenco users are using Denon 103s, and the like, as you two also suggest. Onward and upward.

I went from using a Denon 103 on a Lenco to a humble Ortofon VMS 20 moving iron type and I found that I did not really lose anything over the Denon.The Denon actually seems overly analytical by comparison as the Ortofon seems to grasp the gist of the music and on some records blows the Denon away.I am greatly enamoured of the moving-iron type of cartridge at the moment and am thinking of trying one of the Grado's.

Hi Stephanl,

I can vouche for the entire Prestige Grado line short the Woody Platinum (which I haven't had the pleasure of trying). Even the lowly Grado Black is one powerfully lush and musical cartridge. Best bang for the buck - hands down.

However, my love affair with Grado has pressed me to MuMetal my Lenco platter because of induction generated EMF hum. This inadequate shielding was a conscious decision on Joe Grado's part when he chose not to copy Shure's cart grounding along the ground signal path because of "coloration". He was right, in my opinion, but some TT motors do produce a noticeable hum because of it, the venerable Lenco being one of them. Just so you know... (if you don't already).

While you're back checking in, I wanted to ask you a question regarding the innate anti-skate of the Rega 300 tonearm. You were the first person to draw this to my attention, which I confirmed by removing the magnet. Do you suppose this phenomenon is caused by the offset bearing placements?

Thanks,
Mario

I've been wanting to try moving iron for awhile, maybe I'll give it a go...