Denon DL-103 on Technics SL-1700 - Good Match??

HypnoToad

HypnoToad

RIP Ms Puss Puss
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I have a nice Technics SL-1700 stock in my bedroom system.

At the moment I have a Grado Gold on it and it sounds good but I have read all the reviews etc about the trusty Denon DL-103.

They can be picked up cheaply on the Bay.

Would the 103 work well in the 1700 and be a step up from the Grado.

I like the Grado sound but want more detail without harshness, doesn't everyone?

Anyone had experience with the 103 in these type of tables?

Also the Denon AU-300LC SUT, I am looking at that also.

Any advice would be appreciated.
 
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I've just put a DL103 on one of those cheapo SL 1200 clones. The sound is surprisingly good, given the shortcomings of the arm. Very different from the Grado - brighter, bouncier, less liquid sound, more revealing without being harsh.

Got mine for 100€, and well worth it. I wouldn't necessarily recommend it over the Grados, but it does add a touch more drive and interest where the Grados can sound too relaxed.

It's a low output mc so you'll need to factor that in if you don't have an MC input.
 
I run a DL103r on my Technics SL1700 MkII with great results! PM me for the link to get one at a great deal - DL103 ($118) - DL103mkII ($170) - DL103r ($196)

Enjoy,
Jim
 
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Toad, go for it. There's a bunch of AK'ers running a DL-103 with a Technics DD deck. I've got mine mounted on a Stanton headshell w/ the 2 gram weight attached. As for the AU-300 SUT, from what I 've read online, it's good match.
 
Do it. I have one on an SL-1800.

You likely already know this, but you will need MC capabilities in your phono stage.

Ken
 
I was thinking of going this route also. What is MC? Im running a Technics SL-1800 on a Pioneer SX-980. Would i need anything extra to run this cart on my turntable?
 
Metalownz said:
I was thinking of going this route also. What is MC? Im running a Technics SL-1800 on a Pioneer SX-980. Would i need anything extra to run this cart on my turntable?
Click to expand...

Yes, I don't think the 980 has a MC setting, so you would need a Step Up Transformer (SUT), or a head amp to increase the cartridge output.
Regards,
Jim
 
MC is Moving Coil.

You have HOMC (High Output Moving Coil) and LOMC (Low Output Moving Coil).

HOMC can be run, typically, on most MM (Moving Magnet) inputs. So can MI (Moving Iron), MC (Moving Cross) and similar designs.

LOMC needs a SUT (Step Up Transformer) or MC amp as an addition- that is, unless your pre-amp or receiver sports a "MC" input.
 
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