My Denon was stock cantilever, but in aluminum body. It was good on the classic but the 501 is a marked step up in finesse, sound stage, and frequency extremes. Not sure if I could justify the SS modded Denon considering the price I paid for the gently used 501. I love the Denon 103 in most forms, but I do recognize the limitations and accept them.
I am always on the lookout for a reasonably priced ring clamp. I had one on an older Arise 2. Even when I was lazy and just kept it under the record, the added mass outside the perimeter of the platter added considerable slam and speed stability (the better aspects of a direct drive).
