Cartridge for VPI Classic?

I used a 103r on a JMW 12.5. A few Audiogoners recommended the DL-S1 over the Shelter 901 and the VDH Frog, that I had been considering, at the time. The improvement was overwhelming. The cartridge is smooth across the whole frequency range. I cannot find any weakness in the sonics. It does not color the sound.

The DL-S1 is a higher compliance cartridge than the 103R and is better suited for the unipivot-design of the JMW tonearms.

I listen primarily to classical and big band and harmony vocals like the Mills Brothers. This music is much more demanding than rock music. Though I have listened to some of the classic rock bands and it is stunning the detail and separation of the instruments and vocals.

I use a modified Jasmine phono stage (upgraded the output caps with Jantzen Superior Caps). Note: the stylus of the DL-S1 is smaller than the 103r. This is why it can dig out all music in the microscopic grooves.

You can get a great value on a new DL-S1 from Galen Carol.

With regard to interconnects: I purchased some 26 gauge, shielded, silver-coated copper teflon wire from John's Silver shop on Ebay (it was $15?) and some inexpensive solid copper RCA plugs (don't over pay for a big name. PartsconneXion is a good source.

If you have some patience and dexterity with stripping and soldering thin wire, this is a real bargain. They look ridiculously thin. However, they sound great. On the down side, if they don't meet your expectations, you are only out a few bucks. On the up side, they may fit the bill, and you have left over cash for something else.

@Jazzgene - Is this the regular Grado Statement or one of the 1.5mv versions VPI had made for them? I wish a Grado for my Scoutmaster but am a little conflicted as to whether I should get one of their regular low output models or one of those custom made for VPI (which are somewhere in between their high & low output cartridges).

It's the 0.5mv Statement1. Works fine with 60db gain.

But you do dial in gain, I guess the "VPI Grado's" are designed for less adjustable phonostages.