No. 26 - MM or MC board?

Thanks for the compliment Tom, and yes, the Denon certainly sounds great on the Lenco, if I were going to make absolutely sure the Lenco would hit new ears with irresistable impact, I would suggest the Lenco/Rega/Denon DL103 combination, which works so synergistically together (and for roughly the price of a Grado Sonata!). As to the Hadcock/Grado, I've been remiss and haven't even tried it yet, having it mounted on other low-mass tonearms for the moment to such great effect I was not moved to finally mount the Hadcock. But now that you remind me...

I can understand Raul's reasoning on the subject of transformers, but must admit that the fact a world-class transformer designer has seen fit to make one especially for the Denon DL103 makes me want to try one out (and I'm aware that the subect of transformers versus active devices generates as much controversy as the tubes vs solid-state debate!). Let's remember that the electronic genius Matti Ottala (or Otala) was a Finn, and that several world-class speakers are also made in Finland. For such a small country (population 5.5 million) it is very productive in terms of audio equipment! Kippis! So far though, I've always used active step-up devices, which transmit natural dynamics very well, if you want to consider alternatives Fernando, am working on restoring/tweaking an older model I have now. Does anyone make a simple active step-up anymore?

Jean, when using that DL103 on the Rega tonearm, you simply must try my DIY HiFi mod with the 7/16 ounce bullet shaped fishing weights on the ends of the bearing axle nuts. You can just Blu-Tack them on for testing purposes, if you want.

You'll really love the difference in dynamics and impact that it makes, when the lateral effective mass of the Rega arm gets up into the preferred mass range for the DL103. I originally designed the HiFi mod when using a DL103 and DL103R, and believe me it makes a helluva difference for the better. I think you'll flip at how much improvement a couple of well-placed weights can make.

I've had mine on my arm for over 2 years now, and at least 50 others with OL or Rega arms are using this mod, and I have NEVER had a single complaint about it. However, I have gotten many emails with over-the-top raves about how they never believed that it would make so much difference.

I strongly suggest trying it, because you are not really hearing what that cartridge can do yet. It only costs pennies to do, and is done in 2 minutes.

This is a "for real" improvement of pretty large magnitude. If you use the Blu-Tack, you can easily remove the weights if you want to use a high compliance cartridge on the arm. The lateral effective mass with the HiFi mod installed is too much for high compliance cartridges and causes mismatch, but with low compliance cartridges like a DL103, it is a match made in heaven.

See the photo of my analog rig here, with the HiFi mod installed on my OL Silver tonearm. The HiFi mod is the pair of bullet-shaped things sticking out on each side of the bearing housing.
[url]http://cgim.audiogon.com/i/vs/i/f/1039227977.jpg[/url]
Notice the DL103 mounted on the tonearm.

Let me know how you like it.

Tom, I would have tried your cool free mod long ago, but I haven't had the Rega mounted since last Spring, what with the low-mass and other tonearms I've been playing with over the last year. Now that it's up again (thanks to the Denon), I'll be trying it out very soon.

But I Do !!! (own a RegaRB300)

Twl, send the mod please !!!! (email me to learn more about it).

I performed the chenges in the ML 26 (sensitivity and impedance), That´s More Like It !!!!!!.... just incredible for the price !!

Thanks Twl, you saved me many hours of trial and error with so much different setting combinations (I owe you a fine Mezcal bottle jejeje).

I will nevertheless try to get my hands on that Denon SUT that John recommended .

One final question: When I touch the AI SUT it hums... it does have an earth screw but have not earth the unit yet, is this necceesary? (The RB300 wires does not have an earth cable as you know)

Fernando

John - I got this SUT some years backfrom a friend who bought it in the UK, this was a pretty expensive unitandit is built like a little tank, very heavy and pure silver windings, I just love it´s sound, and was stored for more than 6 years since I had since then active phono preamps that handled MC signal with no problems whatsoever.

In any case, one of the things I like from this hobby is to try different things and listen them in my system.

Enjoy

Fernando