NAD 1300 vs DL-103, Fair Fight?

[Andrew Heck]

Howdy, and thanks in advance for your time and expertise. As I write, I'm eagerly awaiting delivery of my new Kenwood KP-990, which is not only recently serviced (extensively) but also equipped with a brand new Denon DL-103 low output MC cartridge. I did not request the cart, it was part of the deal and very much gravy as the deal was beyond sweet already. Regardless, I am forced to weigh options at this point as my phono preamplification fortunes have recently changed, probably for the better, but I fear for the not quite better enough. As part of an unrelated package purchase that worked out in my favor after a bit of horse trading, I find myself in possession of a gently used NAD 1300 preamp which has a very capable phono stage (especially since it is essentially free to me) and provides an upgrade from my beloved Realistic 42-2109 rebuild. To my delight, I found that it also supports low output MC cartridges which is fortuitous as I now find myself in need of just that very service. What has me worried is just how low an output is produced by the DL-103. In all of my cramming for information about the on board preamp supplied in the NAD, the only hard figure I've encountered is that the MC gain is 26dB. I understand that for a .3mV output cartridge, you need a gain more in line with , say, 72dB? Give or take, right?. So, what I wonder initially, does that mean the gain for the MC carts is 26dB above the MM gain? If so, what is the MM gain on the 1300, and do these numbers add up to a good match? Also some things to keep in mind are that the NAD has an option for a higher gain output to my Parasound 800ii, and from what I've experienced so far running my Grado Black with the 8MZ, the phono stage is pretty quiet. Does that equal the headroom I may need to make this mess work?
The bottom line is, "What now?" If this combo simply will not work, my options stand at these...

1) sell the DL-103 and pocket the money and rely on old faithful Grado Black (who'll probably hum like crazy on this DD table)
Dos) Sell the DL-103 and use those funds for a higher, low output MC cart as I've wanted to jump off that bridge for a minute or two (if you find this my best option, I ask you, which cartridge?)
C) Upgrade again to a even more capable (and surely more expensive) phono preamp
Another Option) DIY Cinemag 3440A 1:18
Finally) Dog it all and go to digital.

I suppose there is a poll in here screaming to be made, but I'll spare y'all that.

 

[olddude55]

I'm not a big fan of the DL-103, but that's puts me in a minority. If it were me, I'd sell the 103, use the Grado, spend the 103 money on LPs.

 

[mprince]

Typically MC gain is in the lower 60's, the number quoted by the OP should be added to the MM stage gain, which is typically around 40 dB.

72 dB of gain is too high IMO and can introduce excess noise, I've run my DL-103 at 60-65 dB with good results. I am currently running my AT cart, which also has .3 mv output, at 65 dB.

 

[Bob]

26 db gain should be enough.

or do the math 20log(v1/v2). to get from the DL103 output to the MM input sensitivity.

I'd test the grado for hum on your TT (do look up those usual suspects), then if it hums
sell it.

next check the tonearm with the DL103 (by written spec AND by use of test LP) to
determine whether the tone arm has enough mass for the DL103.

if it doesn't then sell/trade it for a cart that matches the tonearm's compliance.

most folks don't mention the music they like but everyone has their opinions on
the hardware. You may find that combinations others don't like works magnificently
with the music you listen to.

on the other side of the else ifs - if no hum on your TT, upgrade the Grado
(research here on AK, the great upgrade for $150). keep the denon for later
grins and major profit.

if the Lo freq resonance of the tonearm/cart is above subsonics, look at Dynavectors
especially from the golden age. they are less/not susceptible to hum, and have high
compliance, and you can get Rubys re-tipped/re-cantilevered for under $100.

PS the NADs from that era have similar phono input circuits and will benefit
from a recap since they are almost as old as me.

 

[bigaltx24]

I'd test the grado for hum on your TT (do look up those usual suspects), then if it hums
sell it

I currently run a Grado Green 2 on my Technics SL-MA1 direct drive without any hum and have run other Grados on other direct drives without a problem.

 

[sqlsavior]

IF...your tonearm is capable of handling the DL-103, then...

Another Option) DIY Cinemag 3440A 1:18