2. analog
  3. 1099627789

Budget MC Suggestions?

I've been back into vinyl for over a year now, enjoying it all immensely. I have a Thorens TD-320 with Shure V15VxMR playing through a Gram Amp 2 SE phono stage and I do love the sound. But I've been reading so much about the superior sonic quality of low output MC that I've gotten very curious. To the best of my knowledge, in 35 years of listening to records I've never heard an MC cart. So, I'm wondering two things. First, is it possible on a shoestring budget (say $300 for cartridge and phono stage or transformer, used is fine) to find an MC set-up that will sound better than my present MM set-up? If so, what preamp and cart do you recommend? If it's not possible on that budget, how much does one have to invest in MC to outperform the V15-Gram Amp 2SE set-up? Second, what exactly are the sonic improvements I should expect to hear? Thanks, Rich
winegasman
stefanl
296 posts
 
I figure the Denon 103 would have a cartridge resonance of about 13Hz on your arm Winegasman,and this is just about perfect anyway and would be a good match.With resonance you have to get it away from the danger zone of below 8Hz really.To raise it to 13Hz is quite good and a figure I would be really happy with.This would not interfere with low level music signals coming in at say 15Hz(Church Organ)and is well away from the mechanical resonances of the table.Years ago Paol Ladegaard recommended 15-18Hz as the ideal.You are in no danger.
winegasman OP
100 posts
 
Thanks Stefani. If you're sure on the numbers then I guess I'm at these choices: (1) DL-103 or AT-OC9ML/II, and (2) a decent, inexpensive step-up transformer to mate with my Gram Amp 2SE. Thanks again, Rich
stefanl
296 posts
 
Now the compliance is either 5 or 6cu.These are my calculations-based on Total Weight-12.5gms for the arm plus fixtures(nuts and bolts)1gm,plus cartridge weight,8.5gms=22gms.Then you multiply this by the compliance(5cu vertical for the DL-103)Find the square root of this figure and divide it into 159.155(The magic formula)giving a cartridge resonance of 15Hz.Which is still fine as the Denon only goes down to 20Hz.I checked the Denon Japan site and they gave the compliance as 5cu although I had calculated for 6cu which I thought the cartridge was-my info is old or wrong? But either way you are O.K.It is low resonance which is the major problem.
mrkidknow
26 posts
 
Stefanl,

Denon measures their compliance value at 100 Hz. Several people have posted over on Audio Asylum that Denon Cartridges (at least the 103 series) typically have compliance values around double the advertized value when measuring in the 10 Hz range. For example, the DL-103 and DL-103R are advertized as having 5 cu but people have been finding it's more like ~ 9 cu. Using your weights and the 9 cu value, I get 11.3 Hz resonance.

I don't own any of the DL-103 series cartridges so I can't speak from direct experience on this issue.

Mr. Kidknow
winegasman OP
100 posts
 
Thanks so far. I guess I'm going to keep my eye out for a used DL-103 or a used AT-OC9ML/II and get whichever comes along at a reasonable price first.

Now, as far as a preamp for an MC, it seems to me to make more sense to get a stand-alone phono preamp rather than a DIY stepup transformer kit. Does anyone have any experience with either of these 2 preamps (Musical Fidelity X-LP or Rotel RQ-970BX), which both handle MC and which are both available used right now? Thanks for your help, Rich
More to discover