Thought I've never used a 103R, I've been very happy since I bought an Audio-Technica AT33PTG for my ET2 tonearm on my VPI HW19 Mk4. Though not imported to the USA, it can be found through channels on the Internet for less than $400. |
Great thread! I'm interested in reading the responses. I personally have a stock 103-R, and am wondering the same thing as you. In the upper end of your price range, you may also want to consider the Sound Smith Adia and the Sound Smith Nude 103R w/ Ruby Cantilever and OCL stylus. I have these 2 other options on my "watch list". I sent Peter Lendermann (Sound Smith) and e-mail asking him to comment on his 2 offerings - here's his response (posted without his permission, but I can't imagine he'd mind):
The Nude 103R/Ruby/OCL is a very good MC cart; according to many who have purchased them, it outperforms MCs costing far more. I use the same stylus configuration as the Aida, so that is an easy comparison with other types of styli. The OCL requires precise Azimuth alignment, as well as all the other alignments.
The Aida comes in several flavors, so there is some flexibility here; high and medium compliance for varied arm masses, and either the standard 400pf or special 100PF loading, as requested. It is designed to work with MM preamps, and if the gain can be set to 40-44, that is best, as it will then better Match the levels of your other sources (CD, Tuner, etc
) but will work fine with the standard 36dB gain found with most MM preamp designs.
In the effort to compare the designs, you will be best served by my pointing out the technical differences. The Aida has far lower EFFECTIVE moving mass; that means that the stylus/cantilever has an easier time controlling, and not being controlled, by the generating element. This affects details and distortion; it affords the cartridge what is often referred to as speed or transient capability. It also allows lower VTF; 1 gram for the high compliance, 1.4 for the medium, which has an effect on record/stylus wear. Since the Aida is a step down from the Voice, the big brother, it still maintains many of its characteristics. Reviews and comments indicate that it compares very well with carts costing much more. We are now listed in Stereophiles A rating for the SMMC1/Aida, as well as dollar value. They put us in with carts costing $2400 - $6500.
There are those who love the sound of MC carts, even though some may not be very accurate. I have no problem with that; there are details in some records that you dont want to hear, and a slower cart will not reproduce them as well. My personal preference however, has always been to hear everything that is there in the vinyl, great, good or mediocre.
Peter is a good guy, and I appreciated his response. |
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Second the recommendation for the Audio Technica AT33PTG. I've been able to listen to both this cart and the 103 in the same TT (Scheu Premier MkII/Scheu Cantus) and the 33PTG got my vote easily. |
