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Back-Up Low Output MC For My Arkiv B?

Any suggestions on a back-up, low output MC cartridge to replace my Arkiv B when it goes in for a rebuild? It would go on an LP12/Ekos. Phono pre is a Pass XONO, so looking for an output of no more than the Arkiv's (0.4), since this is almost too much for the Xono in MC configuration with all the attenuation jumpers installed....Budget would be $ 500 or less (ideally less). For that price point, I guess a Denon 103/104, several Ortofons, and several Dynavectors might fit the bill, but I have no experience with anythin other than Linn carts (Klyde, Arkiv)
alexc
viridian's avatar
viridian
4,184 posts
 
The lower the compliance, the higher the resonant frequency of the arm/cartridge resonance (this is modeled just like a spring). Fortunately, there is a broad range of acceptable arm/cartridge resonant frequencies. The medium mass Ekos is well within the operating range of the Denon, Shelter and Ortofons mentioned above and, from a resonance standpoint will provide a good match. This spec is certainly not as great a concern as bearing integrity when dealing with relatively low compliance cartridges. You are good to go.
Marty
alexc's avatar
alexc OP
265 posts
 
Thank, Viriridan. The questionnow is..which one? There are several for sale on Audiogon ranging from the 103R to the 103S to the 103QC1...plus of ocurse the ones available direclty from Denon USA....Any specific recommendation outof all of these? Thanks!
viridian's avatar
viridian
4,184 posts
 
Tom, user name TWL, is the expert. He posted earlier in this thread, e-mail him directly.
c123666
871 posts
 
I spoke with Denon USA a few days ago and found that the DL103 and the DL103D are available and that is it for the 103 line; ie, no "R" or limited editions through Denon USA. That's the bad news; the good news is the DL103 is $ 150.00 plus 5 bux shipping...such a deal! The DL103D is 348.00 so quite a bit pricier. I ordered a DL103 as I could not pass it up at that price; that is what people are trying to sell them for used.

Carl
viridian's avatar
viridian
4,184 posts
 
Carl, is that the one with the conical stylus, or the elliptical stylus? Thanks for the info.
Marty
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