karmakat Posted May 29, 2017 Posted May 29, 2017 Hello there, I'm trying to getter better sound out of my vinyl collection and considering upgrading the Technics SL-1700 I have. It's got a Rega Bias2 on it now. Any opinions on whether that's a good match would be appreciated, as I don't know too much about the finer details of set-up. I'm running an Accuphase E-204 and Sonique 5.5SE speakers. Blues, Jazz, Soul, Alt country, Rock mostly. I've heard a lot about the Denon DL-103 and wondering is the money better spent on a new deck - a Thorens for example? Or another cartridge? My budget is around $600-$700. Thanks for any ideas,
eltech Posted May 29, 2017 Posted May 29, 2017 (edited) I highly doubt you'd get better sound by buying a used Thorens. But I guess you should say which Thorens you are thinking of buying. The SL-1700 has accurate speed and low rumble. The DL-103 has a conical stylus so it has a lesser stylus profile than the cartridge you already have. The bias is a good match for your tonearm. It might be better to say what aspect of the sound you want to improve. Cartridges often just change the flavour. What flavour would you like? Edited May 29, 2017 by eltech
Soundwise Posted May 29, 2017 Posted May 29, 2017 The Denon DL-103 is a classic cartridge and will be a significant improvement over the Rega Bias2 in terms of SQ. The Denon DL-103 is top value at $282 from ebay including freight. http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/Brand-New-Denon-DL-103-Low-Output-MC-Phono-Cartridge-100-Made-in-Japan-/182355677919?hash=item2a753ed2df:g:YP4AAOSwal5YLAn4 You can always try it with your arm and sell the Denon if it doesn't suit your arm, Just make sure your phono can take a low output MC. 1
Flynnyfalcon Posted May 30, 2017 Posted May 30, 2017 On 29 May 2017 at 4:17 PM, Soundwise said: The Denon DL-103 is a classic cartridge and will be a significant improvement over the Rega Bias2 in terms of SQ. The Denon DL-103 is top value at $282 from ebay including freight. http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/Brand-New-Denon-DL-103-Low-Output-MC-Phono-Cartridge-100-Made-in-Japan-/182355677919?hash=item2a753ed2df:g:YP4AAOSwal5YLAn4 You can always try it with your arm and sell the Denon if it doesn't suit your arm, Just make sure your phono can take a low output MC. Have to agree, a very popular cart and easily offloaded if needed. I used a 103R prior to a Micro Benz Glider and it fared incredibly well.
karmakat Posted May 31, 2017 Author Posted May 31, 2017 Thanks for your responses guys. Eltech - that's the question - which Thorens auto decks could I get for $600-$800 and would they be an improvement? The aim is to get a rich sound - full and warm with clarity, as my speakers are reasonable neutral. I'm open to suggestions to other vintage decks with an open sound and decent bass. I'm drawn to decks with auto-return, so the Thorens' would be TD-147 or others less expensive. My only interest in it is I've had the Technics for a long time but not sure if it's sounding as good as it can. And I've heard good things about Thorens. I've checked my amp and it can do MC to 0.09mV. (47K) I don't fully understand it though - is this low enough?
Wimbo Posted May 31, 2017 Posted May 31, 2017 (edited) What type of sound do you have now? Is it boring and not exciting? Is it just the vinyl that sounds ordinary? Edited May 31, 2017 by Wimbo
ophool Posted May 31, 2017 Posted May 31, 2017 While I am a fan of the DL-103 I would be unsure of the arms ability to bring out its best - the quoted input spec of the amp is also somewhat of a concern. I might suggest the AT-150Sa as being within budget at around $400, compatible with the amp as an MM and should be fine with the arm. The sound is reportedly none too shabby either.
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