DL103R with SME 3012 S2

[the keester]

I recently installed an SME 3012 S2 tonearm onto a Technics SP10 mk2a and teak plinth. I got the Bobs Devices Step up transformer and Im running a new Denon DL103R.

Its all going into a Mac MC110z and a MC225 power amp into Harbeth Compact 7s speakers.

I spent a few days trying to tweek the overhang (using the SME protractor and a Bearwald protractor, VTF (set at 2.13 g) and I spent a night tweeking the VTA.

Its sounding pretty good but its still a little too lean for my taste. I was used to using a Grado Gold1 and Sonata1 in the past so maybe this is what I'm used to hearing.

I mounted the DL103R on a nice big Orsonic headshell and even added a 3 gram weight on top of the cart. The added 3 gram weight does help.

Is there anything else I can do to get a little fuller sound?

I like the VTF set at 2.13. It gives a nice open sound. The higher VTF does sound weightier but at a loss of 'air.'

The arm is mounted on a cheaper wood (not sure what kind) armboard and I'm waiting for a walnut armboard to be made for me. Do you think the walnut armboard will have a big positive impact on the sound??

Any other suggestions or is this just the house sound of the Denon DL103R?

 

[vinylkid58]

VTF set at 2.13 sounds awfully light to me, but I have no experience with the 103R in SME arms. I always set mine at 2.5g.

Would love to see a pic of your table.:yes:

Jeff

 

[the keester]

Thanks. Anyone else have any advice? What is everyone else setting their VTF at with the 103R?