[mgsboedmisodpc2]

I recently under a year purchased a used Bryson BDA 1 dac.
I have stopped listening to my LPs.

I feel the need to replace my denon 103 phone cartridge with one that will motivate me to play
my lps again.

can you help

[vortrex]

Which phono pre do you have?

[mgsboedmisodpc2]

PHONO:   Graham Slee Reflex M
SUT:          Denon AU300 LC

[simoon]

Yeah, a stock 103 is a bit of a workhorse, but it's not the most detailed thing in the world. There are also better trackers. Not to mention the bass that is not the tightest around.

You could always try one  of these  with your existing 103 -

http://www.tnt-audio.com/sorgenti/uwebody_e.html


http://www.ebay.com/itm/Denon-DL-103-103r-Exotic-Wood-Body-for-EMT-SME-Fidelity-Research-VPI-Tonearm-/251428708426


These correct most of the ills of the 103. All the good things the 103 does remain.

[vortrex]

Zu will epoxy pot your 103 in their aluminum body.  I found that to be a big difference.  $200.

Don't know anything about your pre and SUT, but the 103 can definitely scale with better gear.

[rob400]

Interesting thread, but on the Well tempered turntable forum?

[mgsboedmisodpc2]

rob400 I have a WTC square motor wall mounted  and was looking for members who have carts/phono pre amps that sound better than DACs like the BDA-1

[Quiet Earth]

The Reflex M is a great little phono stage. Try it with a high output MM cart like the Goldring 1042 and ditch the SUT.

Or upgrade the SUT and run a less expensive MC such as the Denon.

[/mp]

I have a WTC square motor wall mounted  and was looking for members who have carts/phono pre amps that sound better than DACs like the BDA-1

FWIW, I've had a stock square motor with plastic shroud on the power cord WT T&A & a Classe DR-6 preamp for ~25 years. Upgrading from Denon 103D to Van den Hul MC1 special was about the same leap as Grace F9E to 103D. Liked the 103D better than Grado 8MZ too.

[mgsboedmisodpc2]

Near 2K carts I have often wondered where the cost lies.
materials and the stylus and the human touch (hand made)
I do know the 103 series is machine made keeps costs down.
Are 103 being manufactured again?
2K carts on a hand cued table just do not match.
I have been to hifi shows where 5K and up carts are man handled during demonstrations towards the end of the day as tiredness creeps in.

[threadkiller]

Now that is simply not true. Who trashes cartridges at shows are idiot attendees who should NOT be touching gear to start with, especially tone arms. No exhibiter I know of allows or wants attendees to cue a record.

Also, I know more people who have xx2's or higher on WTL's who never trash their cartridges..... And one I know of has Parkinson's..  Perhaps it's the damping goo that helps slow any possible problems down...

[mgsboedmisodpc2]

If I remember correctly the cart scratching across the LP was the Yamamoto Y-03s cartridge mounted to an Audio Note AN-1 tonearm

[mick wolfe]

Zu will epoxy pot your 103 in their aluminum body.  I found that to be a big difference.  $200.

Don't know anything about your pre and SUT, but the 103 can definitely scale with better gear.

Couldn't agree more. The Zu bodied 103 is a different animal.

[tipatina]

This is interesting. I am thinking of adding a more serious DAC to my home system as I have been using a Meridian Explorer that I can keep and use for the office/travel. I also am thinking of upgrading my Grado Reference Sonata (WTAMk2) to MC. I have the AVA Insight MMphono that was an upgrade from my PS Audio GCPH. Frank VA can upgrade me to his MC stage for a minimal amt. I am thinking of a Zu Denon or a Dynavector XX2mk2. Of course, I still plan to get together with Doak next time in my home town to listen to his Decca setup. I really don't want to have analog or digital trump one or the other in my system as I have a collection of CDs/SACDs/HD files/vinyl that I have curated over many years that I want to enjoy in perpetuum.

[gagamut]

in my experience,i will say the WELL TEMPERED AMADEUS is the world class turntable,but i will suggest use a good PHONO and you will get  amazing result,mine is WHEST PRD30SE  

[mgsboedmisodpc2]

Whest PS.30RDT Special Edition $8.5K
hmmm way out of my price range

[gagamut]

Whest PS.30RDT Special Edition $8.5K
hmmm way out of my price range

i mean use good PHONO can show how good is a WELL TEMPERED AMADEUS,

SUTHERLAND PHD,AYRE P5XE,PASS XP15 is good too ,i used before

[SteveFord]

Try an Ortofon 2M Black with a Jolida phono stage and JJ or Gold Lion tubes.
That combo works really well with my older square motor and Classic.
Give it around 50-100 hours and that should get you back in the vinyl camp.

[steve in jersey]

SteveFord,

How's your D- 28 sounding these days ?

 (You spending time everyday keeping your "chops" in shape ?; If a "gig" pops up gotta be ready!!!) (Are you using "Elixir" light gauges on
it ?)

Hope you're enjoying it !

[/mp]

Near 2K carts I have often wondered where the cost lies.

One could easily write the same thing about most high end pricing and not just audio. Hundreds of dollars for 3' power chords. What about the dozens of yards of in wall wiring? Thousands of dollars for a few feet of hook-up wire. What about all the wire in transformers and other bits? What about power conditioners that cost as much as a utility transformer installed in front of the property? Tens or even hundreds of thousands of dollars for individual audio components.

Outside of audio, does it really cost an auto manufacturer the same amount to make 1 luxury car as 10 basic transport cars. Where's the cost in thousand dollar shoes, thousand dollar whiskey, mult-million dollars for tiny apartments in major metro areas.  If you're writing the emperor has no cloths, I agree; he's buck naked.