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Sensible upgrade from Denon DL160

Hi all,

I'm looking for an upgrade from my DL160 Cart running on a Rega P25 (With Groovetracer mods) hooked up to a lehmman Black Cube.

I'm happy with the overall sound, I guess where I see weaknesses is vocals can sound metalic and bass feels a little flabby at times. My musical interests are varied, mainly rock (new stuff) and jazz (old stuff). I like the overall warmth of the denon sound just looking to refine it I guess.

any suggestions greatly appreciated - $500-$700 tops and I'm willing to look 2nd hand

thanks!
jpearce1b
mofimadness's avatar
mofimadness
4,982 posts
 
Dynavector DV20XH, Audio Technica AT150MLX would be my choices.
axelwahl
788 posts
 
Hi Jxxx,
If you can find an NOS Ortofon "M20FL super" you be off to the races = ~ 150$! I had some to say about it and you can look it up here:
http://forum.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/fr.pl?eanlg&1200430667&&&&&st450
Greetings,
Ag insider logo xs@2x
rauliruegas
13,046 posts
 
Jpearcelb: I agree with Axel and this other one could be a good choice improvement too:
http://www.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/cls.pl?anlgcart&1253551030&/Sumiko-Andante-P-76-New-Phono-

Regards and enjoy the music,
Raul.
johnnyb53
3,510 posts
 
+1 on the AT150MLX. I upgraded from the DL-160 to the AT150MLX over a year ago and haven't looked back (or to the side) since.

The tonal balances are very similar, but the AT gives you more of what you're looking for--tighter bass, faster overall response, airier treble without artifice, much better transparency everywhere and esp. noticeable in the midrange. With your Black Cube you should get excellent dynamics. Very grainless with its PCOCC wiring.

Best of all, it's as cheap to own as a DL-160--LPGear sells the replacement stylus for the same price as a DL-160 ($179.95).
stanwal's avatar
stanwal
3,147 posts
 
Denon 304, AT 33 [ the lower complience version] Both avalable at $350-400.
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