Further down the MC rabbit hole

[Gigantic]

I’d been content with Ortofon 2M blue, when last winter, I found a deal on a Denon DL110 HOMC cartridge that I’ve been using on my Denon DP-37 deck, with a Schiit Skoll phono stage. The move was a noticeable improvement, the sound was warmer and more natural, seemingly more dynamic and lush. It’s left me wondering, what’s the next step? What other cartridges should I consider, either high output or LOMC, with a SUT? I don’t know that I’m prepared to go all in for something really spendy, I’m more interested in the next step in the progression. What would the AK brain trust recommend?

 

[mprince]

Audio Technica provides a nice gateway with some of their lower priced OC9 LOMC models, another option would be to get a used LOMC with an expired (or non-existent) stylus and have it retipped. Your Skoll would handle it as you have up to 70dB of gain at your disposal, or you could play with an SUT in the chain (my personal choice).

 

[jimreeves]

The next step within Denon's pecking order would be the DL301 II. It should provide a bit more inner detail than the 110 with a similar sonic signature. I've owned both and that's been my experience. The AT OC9 is excellent too, but may seem a little bit bright with your horns. OTOH, there are SO many vintage LOMCs out there it'd be hard to suggest where to start! It really is a rabbit hole. My Altecs are loving my retipped Sumiko Talisman S currently.

 

[bob smog]

I was in a similar situation recently

TL;DR: I went with a SUT and Hana EL

 

[nailer]

You've done Denon. I'd try another brand, but don't have the experience needed to make a meaningful recommendation.

 

[tabarddn51]

Hi, Before shelling out your hard earn't money, you need to learn about cartridge / tone arm matching. You have a low Effective Mass arm & have mismatched it with a low compliance cartridge. Low mass arms need to be matched to high compliant carts.
It may sound better than the Blue, but that's not hard to achieve. The carts you need are high compliance carts, the Denon is ment for heavy arms. So their 300 series is OK, but they do not do H/O high compliance carts. Hana may just work, but better still Dynavector.

Cheers