[raysracing]

That could be a worn stylus.  An elliptical stylus has the shortest life span of any shape tip.  It could sound like that if the mounting screws are loose, but I'd be wary.  A worn out stylus can damage records.
neo

Good info. I'll stop playing the signet till I receive the atn155.i put my OM2 Red back in the Denon. Seems more mid bass and bass straight away. Sheesh, three cart swaps in one night. Time for bed.

[raysracing]

neobop an atn155lc on it's way. Wow I will have a Beryllium/line contact cart soon. Any recommendations of I should install it on the Denon or Technics? I'd prefer to set it once. The at155lc/Signet will have a not too high compliance of 16 cms/dyne I believe.

99.9% of the time I sell to buy, but I want to keep this DL103.  I will have to see if there are inexpensive tables that would do well with this cart.

Thanks.

[JackD]

You can try the D-103 on the Technics' S-shaped arm and see what you get.  It may not be ideal, but certainly better than the light weight straight Denon arm. Worth a shot if you really like the cartridge. Can add some Blu-Tac for a little extra weight if you need it.  I think there are several people on AK using the D-103 on SL-1200's

[neobop]

neobop an atn155lc on it's way. Wow I will have a Beryllium/line contact cart soon. Any recommendations of I should install it on the Denon or Technics? I'd prefer to set it once. The at155lc/Signet will have a not too high compliance of 16 cms/dyne I believe.

99.9% of the time I sell to buy, but I want to keep this DL103.  I will have to see if there are inexpensive tables that would do well with this cart.
Thanks.

Wow, that was quick.  The compliance is at 100Hz, so that's a high compliance stylus.  I'm not sure what the 10Hz equivalent is, something better than 25cu I'd guess.  I'd try it on the Denon, although you never know.  Some people use carts like this on heavier arms even though the resonance goes below the recommended range - results depend on your setup.  The Denon has arm damping too, doesn't it?  Yea, I'd go with the Denon, VTF at 1.6g to start.  Allow at least 5 hrs break-in for the new suspension, maybe more if the cart has been sitting.   You're in for a treat.

You're keeping the 103, you going to save it or use it on the Technics?  I think the Technics arm is a bit heavier than the Denon and with a removable headshell you'll have more options.  It will be easier to add mass - still might have to increase the mass of the counterweight. You'll have to consider your options with the 103.  Soundsmith can put an aluminum/ elliptical on there for $150.  There are all kinds of bodies you could buy, I even saw a video on DIY instillation.  Maybe you want to listen to it for awhile and think about it.  Nice contrast between the sound of the Signet and stock 103.  You'll be in a nice position now to sit back and think about your options while you enjoy your records.   
neo

[raysracing]

Thanks again guys.  Now to find some cheap upgrades like matts for both tables. The Denon has a hard rubber matt and the Technics a gimmicky D Stat Matt. Attracts more dust with then without it and I dont think it does anything for the sound.

Gawd I love turntables. So much to tweak and learn about.

[raysracing]

Baerwald null points on the Technics with the DL103...Half speed of Aja spinning.  I took out my battery operated separates and my buffer (all cheap) and I am running this through my Cambridge Pre and an old Yamaha integrated amp and it sounds really good. I finally have some meat to the mids.  I bet with my separates it would be even more impressive. Doesnt hurt drinking a new growler of a new IPA after a good day.

Bring on the at155lc. SO happy right now.

edit:Best the cymbals have ever sounded on Aja and i have heard this album hundreds of times on about every analog system I have ever owned. Best vocals and imaging and realism.  I could stay up all night listening to my long list of fav. records.

[raysracing]

Neobop the AT is installed. It sounds really good of course. Vocals are so real with that in your room feel. Only about 1 hour on it. I am feeling it has an edge on the DL 103 in terms of soundstage, depth, imaging and maybe a bit less amazing on cymbals, but better on piano. Great recommendation and now to keep tweaking set up on both tables. But happy enough to not want a new phono stage for now.

[neobop]

Neobop the AT is installed. It sounds really good of course. Vocals are so real with that in your room feel. Only about 1 hour on it. I am feeling it has an edge on the DL 103 in terms of soundstage, depth, imaging and maybe a bit less amazing on cymbals, but better on piano. Great recommendation and now to keep tweaking set up on both tables. But happy enough to not want a new phono stage for now.

Not too shabby for an hour, glad it's working out.  If the cart hasn't been played for a long time except for that test, it might take longer than the stylus to really sound perfect.  I suspect the high end will get better as you tweak it.  Is there a arm damping control? 

I've found that a Delrin or methacrylate mat gave me the best performance.  The Boston carbon or graphite mat is said to be really good.  I plan on trying one.  They're expensive, the 3mm one is $200.  I've never tried Herbie's mats - they seem popular. 
neo

[raysracing]

Not too shabby for an hour, glad it's working out.  If the cart hasn't been played for a long time except for that test, it might take longer than the stylus to really sound perfect.  I suspect the high end will get better as you tweak it.  Is there a arm damping control? 

I've found that a Delrin or methacrylate mat gave me the best performance.  The Boston carbon or graphite mat is said to be really good.  I plan on trying one.  They're expensive, the 3mm one is $200.  I've never tried Herbie's mats - they seem popular. 
neo

Neo in any parameter I could think of the Frankenstein Signet/AT155lc - Denon Dp62l combo has surpassed the DENON DL103-technics table after about, I don't know 10 records played?

[JackD]

It's just a better fit. The 103 was designed for much heavier broadcast TT arms.  I am thinking seriously about buy a DP-62L in mint condition to try out at a good price.  It would look good sitting next to my JVC QL-Y7 as they share many of the same technological advances. 

[raysracing]

It's just a better fit. The 103 was designed for much heavier broadcast TT arms.  I am thinking seriously about buy a DP-62L in mint condition to try out at a good price.  It would look good sitting next to my JVC QL-Y7 as they share many of the same technological advances.

I will try and hold onto the Dl103 till I either need the cash or a new toy while keeping an eye out for a table with the right arm for it. In my very low price range.

[neobop]

Neo in any parameter I could think of the Frankenstein Signet/AT155lc - Denon Dp62l combo has surpassed the DENON DL103-technics table after about, I don't know 10 records played?

Maybe the 103 wasn't a perfect match in the Technics arm, but with some extra weight it wasn't that far off.  I guess, to some extent it's a matter of opinion, but even under optimal conditions a stock 103 can't compete with what a TK3Ea/ATN155LC does right.  IMO the Signet/AT doesn't give up anything in musicality either.  As I previously mentioned, the 103 fan club has "proven" methods for achieving the magic, and that includes extensive mods.
I'm not sure but you might need a modded 103d to equal the resolution of the Signet.
Glad it's working out,
neo

[usp1]

I am currently using an AT440mla on my DP-62L. Any suggestions on what would be a step up cartridge? Would the signet being discussed be the way to go? I have the Denon s-arm on mine.

[JackD]

You can use the same stylus on your 440 that raysracing is using or hunt for a used Signet body.

[neobop]

I am currently using an AT440mla on my DP-62L. Any suggestions on what would be a step up cartridge? Would the signet being discussed be the way to go? I have the Denon s-arm on mine.

What are your feelings about the 440?
What specific area do you want to improve, or just in general?

neo

[usp1]

Just in general. I like the 440 but I wonder if it can be better. And how much more would it take to make it better.

[raysracing]

I have a signet TK1ea cartridge as well as the 3ea I am using with the AT155lc stylus.  I would bet the guts are the same as the 3ea body, but cannot confirm it.  We can talk about a loan or sell if you want usp1, though I wanted to keep it as a back up.

[usp1]

Thanks for the offer raysracing! I am always afraid of borrowing a cartridge/stylus. I may consider a buy but before that I wonder if the stylus is what I should be looking for instead of the signet body. Where did you get yours? I have not been able to find one yet.

[raysracing]

Thanks for the offer raysracing! I am always afraid of borrowing a cartridge/stylus. I may consider a buy but before that I wonder if the stylus is what I should be looking for instead of the signet body. Where did you get yours? I have not been able to find one yet.

Both my Signets are mine from who knows when. I bought them new at the local stereo store. I can tell you a a TK1ea couldnt have been much more than $50 back in the day.

[neobop]

Thanks for the offer raysracing! I am always afraid of borrowing a cartridge/stylus. I may consider a buy but before that I wonder if the stylus is what I should be looking for instead of the signet body. Where did you get yours? I have not been able to find one yet.

Quite right.  The ATN155LC will sound fabulous on your 440.  I had a 152MLP on my 440 and it sounds like a $1K cart.  That stylus will fit any modern 120/440/100 etc body.  The compliance might be a little high for your arm so keep the counterweight as close to the pivots as possible.  Add a little extra weight back there if necessary, that actually reduces eff mass.  You should be fine, just be careful beryllium is the most brittle cantilever. 
http://stereoneedles.com/audio-technica.html

BTW, the AT-100E has identical generator as the 150MLX.  That stylus will fit either.  100E is $80 at LpGear. 
neo