I want to try a LOMC

sts9fan · « **on:** 5 May 2012, 02:29 pm »

I am finally satisfied that I can handle a LOMC in my system. Now I got to figure out which one to buy. I am leaning towards a Benz ACE-L but that is at the absolute top of my budget for this experiment. Any other suggestions that will get me a good taste of what a LOMC can offer in the <$700 range?

roscoeiii · « **Reply #1 on:** 5 May 2012, 02:35 pm »

Dyna 20x2l or maybe a 17d3 would be good choices.

roscoeiii · « **Reply #2 on:** 5 May 2012, 02:37 pm »

or maybe a Denon 103 or 103r on the cheaper end of things.

neobop · « **Reply #3 on:** 5 May 2012, 04:28 pm »

What carts worked out in your system, and which ones didn't?

What table/arm and phono stage will you be using?

Can you give a little more info about your music and the kind of sound you're looking for?
Example - accurate, detailed, romantic, musical.

I think the Ace is now $900?

simoon · « **Reply #4 on:** 5 May 2012, 04:44 pm »

I think a ZuDL-103 Cartridge Grade 2 version is worth checking out.

At $599 this is still under the top of your budget, but will give you more than just a taste of LOMC.

sts9fan · « **Reply #5 on:** 5 May 2012, 04:47 pm »

I am currently using a old Glider H that I could trade in to get the ACE for $700.
I have a Rega P3-24 so I want a cart that would not require any shims. I listen to a very wide selection of music but no real classical. Right now I have two phono pres. I just got a Ray Samuels F117 and I also have a Pass DIY Pearl w/ Xono MC stage.

Scottdazzle · « **Reply #6 on:** 5 May 2012, 10:02 pm »

You might try to find the Denon DLA-100 which is a special edition, souped-up Denon 103. I've been thrilled with mine. It retailed for $500 and is discontinued, but you might be able to find one somewhere. Good luck!

TomS · « **Reply #7 on:** 5 May 2012, 10:08 pm »

I had Zu upgrade my Denon 103R with the aluminum body. As an entry point to LOMC I think it's a steal. It sounds really good and is also very robust. A significant upgrade over stock. Lots of threads about them with a search.

roscoeiii · « **Reply #8 on:** 5 May 2012, 10:13 pm »

You can also buy aluminum or wood bodies online for the 103 or 103R and DIY an improved body yourself. Though you wouldn't get the tighter channel matching that Zu offers in their 103s.

TomS · « **Reply #9 on:** 5 May 2012, 10:56 pm »

Quote from: roscoeiii on 5 May 2012, 10:13 pm

You can also buy aluminum or wood bodies online for the 103 or 103R and DIY an improved body yourself. Though you wouldn't get the tighter channel matching that Zu offers in their 103s.

Very true and there is a good video on youtube from Thomas Schick on how to do it.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-ENq8PoXhaU
I watched that several times and decided that for me $200 to Sean at Zu was a bargain, considering my cart was brand new (and perfectly matched!). One slip-up and it's toast. Great service from Zu too!

roscoeiii · « **Reply #10 on:** 5 May 2012, 11:08 pm »

Not to mention that the Zu guys are pretty fabulous in general. Always been great to work with, and there is a really touching story on an Audiogon thread about them really hooking up a guy they met with some of his speakers. Forget the details. But remember that thier generosity and heart was very impressive.

sts9fan · « **Reply #11 on:** 6 May 2012, 03:16 am »

I think I will try a Zu grade 1.

roscoeiii · « **Reply #12 on:** 6 May 2012, 03:32 am »

Nice deal on a wood body 103R just popped up here on AC too. $275...

jimdgoulding · « **Reply #13 on:** 6 May 2012, 04:19 am »

If I were buying another LOMC, I'd select the Zu modified Denon 103 and send it off to Soundsmith for their ruby cantilever and micro ridge stylus mod. The whole shebang would be comfortably under a grand.

dcbingaman · « **Reply #14 on:** 6 May 2012, 04:51 am »

Comet Supply had Denon DL-S1 LOMC's for < $ 600.00. You can't beat this cartridge at this price. It has the DL103's midrange but with much better bass and treble, and much, much better tracking.

It is also a medium compliance cartridge, making it compatible with just about any good tonearm. The 103 needs a stiff heavy arm to perform well.

TheChairGuy · « **Reply #15 on:** 6 May 2012, 05:45 am »

Quote from: dcbingaman on 6 May 2012, 04:51 am

Comet Supply had Denon DL-S1 LOMC's for < $ 600.00. You can't beat this cartridge at this price. It has the DL103's midrange but with much better bass and treble, and much, much better tracking.

It is also a medium compliance cartridge, making it compatible with just about any good tonearm. The 103 needs a stiff heavy arm to perform well.

I'm generally not fond of moving coils.....but, own the DL-160VdH and had an extended audition of the DL-S1 from a friend.

Both tend to obliterate the last vestige of hatred I have for the sizzly nature of many moving coils....and at such modest price points. Just a great line of product from bottom to top and so sanely priced relative to most today.

neobop · « **Reply #16 on:** 6 May 2012, 12:05 pm »

One thing you should know, unless things have changed Comet Supply isn't an authorized dealer. That means you won't have a valid warranty. It's known as grey goods. They're the real thing, just not through the US distributor. That said, lots of people saved $ and and are happy as clams. I concur about the DL-S1. I can't really tell you how it stacks up against a Zu 103, but the DL-S1 combines natural, organic type sound with detail and musicality at the same time. It's a combo hard to beat for $950 regular price. Check this out:
http://www.cometsupply.com/?mn=DENON

sts9fan · « **Reply #17 on:** 7 May 2012, 07:58 pm »

Well a very nice ACer has sold me a Zu Denon Grade 2 for a fair price. I look forward to starting my LOMC adventure.

roscoeiii · « **Reply #18 on:** 7 May 2012, 08:04 pm »

Good 'ole ACers. I am always glad that there are such solid folks around these parts.

jimdgoulding · « **Reply #19 on:** 8 May 2012, 12:28 pm »

Quote from: sts9fan on 7 May 2012, 07:58 pm

Well a very nice ACer has sold me a Zu Denon Grade 2 for a fair price. I look forward to starting my LOMC adventure.

Keep us posted with your impressions. Thanks