Cost no object tonearm for DL-103

I have a VPI 3D arm and think very highly of it. Surely recommend it.

I have to agree with Peter's recommendation of the SA-750 series arms. If possible, opt for the "L" 12" version. Quite nice. Had a SA-750D on a modified TNT with very good results. And at their price you can afford to buy more recordings.

I was alternating between an AT-OC9/ml and a Lyra Clavis da Capo with great results.

Nobody talks about the formidable Fidelity Research FR-64S or the Schick or the Scheu Classic (12") ? My turntable is Verdier, it can take almost any tonearm, at the moment I use an ARO. It is a very well sorted arm but not exactly ideal for 103 and TSD-15.

You should ask A.J. Conti at Basis if he thinks the Denon would be compatible with a Vector 4 tonearm. I changed from an Origin Live tonearm to a Basis Vector and it made a huge difference with a Shelter cartridge

For the DL103 and R you want an arm of at least 16grams effective mass. If you look through the spec chart on every arm you might consider, you'll find how the manufacturer rates its arm for mass. But keep in mind that an arm of lower mass can usually be increased simply by adding a head weight between the cartridge and headshell. Additionally, many arms are offered with add-on weights for the counterweight end. This allows you to accommodate cartridges like the DL103 which have stiff suspensions that require more weight over them to keep the stylus in the groove.

16G to 20G for the DL103R.

There is more to know but this is the short version for matching up arms and cartridges. Additionally, you can calculate at what frequency a given arm and cart match-up will resonate by a short formula. The idea being to have the arm/cart system resonate between 8hz and 12hz.

Here's a link to a page with more info on this subject:
http://www.theanalogdept.com/cartridge___arm_matching.htm

-Steve