ajcllc Posted August 28, 2010 Share Posted August 28, 2010 I have a Thorens TD-160 with the original arm and am considering a new cartridge. Currently I am using a Stanton 680EE. However, I would like to try a Denon DL-103R. Is this low-output moving coil a good match for this arm? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Groomlakearea51 Posted August 28, 2010 Share Posted August 28, 2010 Consider a Shure M97XE. I had great success with those with TD-125's and a 160 in days gone by. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fini Posted August 28, 2010 Share Posted August 28, 2010 You probably already know this, but at The Vinyl Engine there is a wealth of info regarding matching cartridge to arm. In addition to a very active forum (including one Thorens-specific), they have a wonderful library full of original manuals, spec sheets, calculators (for matching arm to cart), etc. The library is accessible to those who join (free, of course). Highly recommended. Sorry, I don't have any experience with the TD-160. All I know is the DL-103R (which I do have) is a bad match to the particular SME 3009 arm I own...[] It'll work in the Ortofon arm, though! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jamesV Posted August 28, 2010 Share Posted August 28, 2010 I have to agree with Groom, take a look at the M97xE. I currently have one on my 160. Like you I have considered the DL-103R but after cart purchase and the setup purchase it's not an option at the moment. If you do go this route I would like to hear your opinion on it. James Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fini Posted August 28, 2010 Share Posted August 28, 2010 If your arm is the TP-16, this VE forum thread should answer questions (you might need to join to view it). The main contributor is Steve Clarke (whose own website The Analog Dept. is a wealth of information): http://www.vinylengine.com/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?p=68395 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ajcllc Posted August 28, 2010 Author Share Posted August 28, 2010 Thanks for the input, guys. I tried most of the Shures, but really need to try a moving coil for better compatibility with my phono stage. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
oldtimer Posted August 28, 2010 Share Posted August 28, 2010 Ever tried a homc? Or is your phono stage insistent on low output? I would suggest matching your cartridge (mass/compliance) to your tonearm first and then getting a compatible phono stage rather than the other way around. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ajcllc Posted August 28, 2010 Author Share Posted August 28, 2010 I was considering the Denon DL-160, but I am now leaning towards the Denon DL-103R. My phono stage is for moving coil cartridges and was custom-built that way for my line stage. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
oldtimer Posted August 28, 2010 Share Posted August 28, 2010 Read my post again. (I edited it) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ajcllc Posted August 28, 2010 Author Share Posted August 28, 2010 Yes, it is insistent on low output. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
oldtimer Posted August 28, 2010 Share Posted August 28, 2010 It's likely that the 103 has the same mass and compliance as the 160, not that I have looked it up lately. My general suggestion still stands concerning the horse and cart (pun not intended) order of things. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LarryC Posted August 28, 2010 Share Posted August 28, 2010 LOMC is better as a rule. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
oldtimer Posted August 28, 2010 Share Posted August 28, 2010 Preferred Larry as long as the tonearm/cartridge matches up. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ajcllc Posted August 28, 2010 Author Share Posted August 28, 2010 Let me clarify by also adding this. I am currently running my tubed line stage with a different solid state phono stage. That is how I am able to try the Stanton, Shure, and other cartridges. The custom-built phono stage is another phono stage that is tubed, while the other phono stage is solid state. The solid state phono stage is MM/MC compliant, while the tubed phono stage is LOMC compliant only. Has anyone ever tried or is currently using a Denon DL-103R with a Thorens TD-160 with its stock tonearm? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
oldtimer Posted August 28, 2010 Share Posted August 28, 2010 I wish I could help you there. I don't have any direct experience. I do know of someone who used the dl-160 with that table and was very happy. Can't tell you what phono stage he had though. have fun and good luck. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
djk Posted August 29, 2010 Share Posted August 29, 2010 I have used the Denon 103D, S, and C in the Thorens 160, they all worked well. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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