2. analog
  3. 1187580243

denon 160, AT 150, orton 540 mk2 or Grado Sonata?

How would you describe the characteristics of each? Just as I decide on one, something pops up. The Denon is difficult to mount, the Grado hums etc. Does any of these jump out as the clear cut sonic winner and tracker?
The MC gain on my Outlaw receiver is such, as measured by Froemmer," The gain in MM mode, measured at the preamp output with the volume control at its maximum, was higher than usual at 50db; the MC mode added another 15db" Audiophiles, at the moment, I'm a little paralyzed by choices here for my VPI 19 jr, AQ 6 tonearm!
Thanks, again for your input.
blowfin
ekobesky
259 posts
 
The DL-160 has a very big (some would say larger than life) and dramatic sound. Clear, fast, dynamic and with a very wide soundstage.

The AT150 is a nice, clean MM but the top end can be a bit too bright for some and the low end a bit lean.

The 540 is a nice, warm and detailed.

The Grado Sonata is very full-bodied and lush compared with the others.
viridian's avatar
viridian
4,184 posts
 
I would have no qualms with E's descriptions, but to answer the question, the AT150 is the best tracker with the 540 behind it. The Denon is a good tracker and the Sonata is somewhat arm dependent. With that MC phono stage, why not use a low output MC? The Denon 103, if your arm has high effective mass, and the Benz MC20L if it does not.
piedpiper
753 posts
 
You might want to add the Benz MC Gold and Ace, and the Clearaudio Aurum Beta S to your list.
More to discover