Sota Pyxi with my Yamaha GT-2000

[BilboBaggins]

The DL-103 is an "R" cartridge? Mine sounded fine from the start. No break-in needed.

No, it is a plain Jane 103. Purchased from HiFiDo. I don't have any complaints really. I'm still in the getting to know it stage, and playing around with different settings. This is my first ever MC cartridge, so new territory for me. Although, I think I discovered two more MC cartridges in my collection, I never had an MC phono pre before, if I don't count the Sansui AU-D9 I had that I never tried because I didn't have any MC cartridges at the time.

I vaguely remember someone telling me to never put a MM cartridge on an MC Pre as it could kill the phono pre, but don't know how valid that is. This would have been back in the mid to 1987 when my first child was born. I stopped worrying about it after that, because I didn't have any money for that kind of stuff once kids entered my life.

 

[Mr Boochie]

I vaguely remember someone telling me to never put a MM cartridge on an MC Pre as it could kill the phono pre, but don't know how valid that is. This would have been back in the mid to 1987 when my first child was born. I stopped worrying about it after that, because I didn't have any money for that kind of stuff once kids entered my life.

I never heard of this. Maybe, a specific cartridge and phono pre-amp combination?

 

[BilboBaggins]

I think it is a myth, just like so many other things about audio in those days.

 

[wyn palmer]

No, it is a plain Jane 103. Purchased from HiFiDo. I don't have any complaints really. I'm still in the getting to know it stage, and playing around with different settings. This is my first ever MC cartridge, so new territory for me. Although, I think I discovered two more MC cartridges in my collection, I never had an MC phono pre before, if I don't count the Sansui AU-D9 I had that I never tried because I didn't have any MC cartridges at the time.

I vaguely remember someone telling me to never put a MM cartridge on an MC Pre as it could kill the phono pre, but don't know how valid that is. This would have been back in the mid to 1987 when my first child was born. I stopped worrying about it after that, because I didn't have any money for that kind of stuff once kids entered my life.

You can apply MM or MC to the same input of the SoTA Pyxi with the input resistance set to 47k (or anything else for that matter) with absolute impunity. Indeed the input section is identical. It's hard to imagine how switching cartridges could be harmful, unless you do it with the amp powered up, and that would likely only damage your speakers.

 

[totem]

that would likely only damage your speakers.

And likely one's ears.

 

[BilboBaggins]

So sorry! I went on vacation, then had a flooded basement, and then another vacation, and so I am just going through some of my content and ran into this.

The last few weeks, I have been listening to a lot of records. They are a mix of new or US cleaned and used that are waiting to be cleaned. Don't worry, I am not putting those unclean records on my GT-2000L. I had to put my basement system into storage due to the flood, so I brought my Sony PS-X600 up and added it directly to the McIntosh. So now I can play more LPs. The Sony has a Shure M91ED on it that continues to impress me! Mind you, that Biotracer tonearm is also pretty special! However, I much prefer using the GT-2000L through the Pyxi, without question. Listening to Stan Getz right now on the GT and it is pure magic! I did another change in my listening room and speakers layout recently, so I need to go through another reassessment of the cartridge. Main impression, the Denon DL-103 is not as impressive as I was expecting it to be. However, I just read an older thread about Denon MC on a GT-2000, and the die hard Denon fans swear that is because I need a heavier mass tonearm. Apparently, the Denon DL-103 was designed for radio stations and so was extra durable. I don't think I can go to a higher mass tonearm to test that out. I have the GT-2000L, the Sony PS-X600, a Yamaha PX-3, a Dual 1219, and a B&O 4002 LT. It's just not in me to get any more turntables, unless I got a second Yamaha GT-2000. I don't think I'l go there.

As I was saying, I also reconfigured the space a little. Because of the flood, I needed to reload the storage container I got for my stuff during the renovations. I had been planning on returning that at the end of September, but with a need to store stuff while I go through room by room renovating after the flood. So I moved all except for the Sony into the unit, and while I was filling the unit back up, I decided to bring the Kef 105s that were just sitting in the dining room between the turntable and the right Kef 107 into the container. So now, as a result of the flood, I refilled the container from 1/2 full to 100% full. And now I've moved the right Kef 107 all the way down the wall. It is much better. But I think I may need to fine tune it somewhat, in conjunction with the Kube.

I decided once again to take advantage of the better exchange to Japanese Yen, so I ordered some more headshells from HIFIDO along with some isolaters for my Kef 103.2s in the bedroom. I'll match together a couple of cartridges with the new headshells and experiment some more.

@wyn palmer This will make it very advantageous to switch from MM to MC on the Pyxi. I took note of what you said. That will be the next change. I will enjoy doing that, even if I can't come to any definite conclusion one way or another.

 

[muovimies]

I have not owned a DL-103 and I don't think it's a particularly "impressive" cartridge, but I do think it's a quite balanced and enjoyable performer, might even use the dreaded word "musical" Although it's real world compliance seems to be a tad higher than most people would assume from the very low spec (at japanese 100Hz spec mind you!), a lot of people who really rave about them seem very adamant about the need for quite a bit of mass for getting the best out of a DL-103. You could try adding mass on the headshell, something like 5g, blu-tack a coin or something on top of the headshell and see if that makes a difference. If you run out of range for the counter-weight, that of course nullifies that plan, unless you also make the counterweight heavier

FWIW I've seen people mention figures like 16g MINIMUM headshell for the DL-103, or preferably closer to 20g in a typical S-shaped arm to make it sing, or total effective mass of 25-30g or so. Like I said I don't have the experience, just passing on what I've heard from people. Might be worth a shot, nothing to lose really.

 

[adnick]

Yeah a basic DL 103 needs a heavy arm, sorta have one but it’s been changed to an elliptical and I’m running about 24g just at the headshell with an actual 12” arm….

There’s multiple 103s in my collection only 2 are stock 103D & 103M, and they are very different carts than a basic 103.

Also make sure of your vertical tracking angle….

VR
Andy

 

[BilboBaggins]

Great ideas!

As luck would have it, my package from Japan arrived today. Add another $34 in duty and handling fees. But I got my three headshells. Also, as luck would have it, last night, I was researching the AT-LH13 headshell I ordered from HIFIDO, and I discovered a thread that mentions that a member had ordered this same headshell, and discovered it didn't work with the GT-2000. The 15 is recommended for the GT-2000 with a DL-103. Sure enough, I don't even see how that previous member was able to install it. There just isn't enough room for the connection wires and the headshell. Not sure what I'm going to do with the headshell now. I think I will run into the same issue with all my other cartridges. Too bad. It is such a nice headshell too!

So, instead, I went back to the Entre ES-10 headshell, and added additional weight. I think it sounds better but it is a no go for me. The counterweight is at its limit and sticks out the edge, bumping into the dust cover near the end of the record.

However, I did experiment with a couple of MM cartridges on the table. An Ortofon M15E with a D15ES stylus on a Grace headshell, and a QLP 30 MKIII on an Ortofon SH-4 headshell. I'm not sure I'll be able to go back to mm cartridges, but that may just be first impressions and I'll be fine once my ears adjust.

I just went from Gilberto and Wanderly 'A Certain Kind of Smile' to Isaac Hayes 'Shaft'. Let the listening resume!

 

[muovimies]

The AT-LH range of headshells has really tight spacing for the wires, I think really long carts might simply be a no go. It has an allen screw on the size you can loosen for azimuth/overhang adjustment. For installing carts it might be easiest to get the connector as far back as possible at first, install the cart and then squeeze the plug back in deeper for correct overhang - while taking care of the wires and making sure nothing is putting undue pressure at the cartridge clips. In short, it's a bit of a pain. Otherwise good heashells, just not fun to install carts in. Also the lighter the model, the shorter the headshell in that series, but off the top of my head I don't remember if that affects the space for installing the cart or if all the length is cut from the front.

 

[BilboBaggins]

The AT-LH range of headshells has really tight spacing for the wires, I think really long carts might simply be a no go. It has an allen screw on the size you can loosen for azimuth/overhang adjustment. For installing carts it might be easiest to get the connector as far back as possible at first, install the cart and then squeeze the plug back in deeper for correct overhang - while taking care of the wires and making sure nothing is putting undue pressure at the cartridge clips. In short, it's a bit of a pain. Otherwise good heashells, just not fun to install carts in. Also the lighter the model, the shorter the headshell in that series, but off the top of my head I don't remember if that affects the space for installing the cart or if all the length is cut from the front.

From what I can see on the site, the 18 looks to be the way to go.

■□DENON DL-103/audio-technica AT-LH18/OCC MC型カートリッジ シェル付 デノン□■010388003□■ - 13,260円

DENON DL-103/audio-technica AT-LH18/OCC MC型カートリッジ シェル付 デノン 010388003(ヤフオク！ )は22件の入札を集めて、に落札されました。

beneath.gapless.sa.com

Although the thread I was reading last night was saying use the 15 for the GT-2000 and the DL-103. Based on the spacing I see in the picture, it is pretty tight. Might be able to do itt with the 15. I would worry about heavier because of the counterweight. But better than on the . Keep in mind, there are two set screws allowing you to adjust azimuth and overhang. I tried loosening both of them to move the connector right off, and I still couldn't do it without seriously bending the cartridge clips.

I also just took off that extra weight. I couldn't keep it like that. I knew I was going to forget about the dust cover being in the way. Also had to change records. Wife would only listen to the same things in repeat a few times. Listening to the Bronski Beat 'Age of Dissent'. Nice!

 

[BilboBaggins]

I'm actually really disappointed I can't try the AT-LH13. It has such a nice feel to it, and that is a big thing for me. I do like the Entre ES-10 headshell. It is just the AT-LS13 is a different dimension.

 

[muovimies]

Audio-Technica makes nice headshells, the MG-10 is a long time favourite of mine, it's a magnesium one weighing 10g. They used to make a bunch of different ones from both magnesium and aluminum, many with similar adjustments to the AT-LH13 etc. I'm not sure if the MG-10 is still in production, but it used to be not that long ago and can be found plentiful on the used market. It doesn't have azimuth adjustment though and like most AT headshells, instead of slots it has a row of threaded inserts for the screws (like the AT-LH13/15/18). I've never missed the slots though, in practice there's enough wiggle room for slight adjustments of offset angle if needed. It also makes installation of carts with non-threaded holes a breeze, but some carts can only be mounted from the top, making the AT shells a no-go.

 

[BilboBaggins]

Later on Tuesday night, I decided to see what Audio-Technica recommended for use with the LH-13. It seems they recommend an uber expensive AT-OC9X cartridge or a VM95 cartridge. I did a quick search and found a VM95E for a decent price. Even better, it was in Canada so I didn't need to worry about duty or handling fees. Then I found one $20 less with a cheap plastic headshell on it. No problem, I can buy the cheaper one and remove the headshell!

The cartrdge and three new 180 gram records arrived today. I love Christmas in September! I was able to put the VM95E onto the LH-13 headshell(it was tight though) and I set the Pyxi as recommended by Wyn Palmer, and it all works great! I think I prefer the DL-103 more now though. It seems my ears have adapted.

Now to keep on playing music!

Time for some Portishead.
Cheers!

 

[BilboBaggins]

I've been spending a lot of time with the LH-13 with the VM95E lately. I really like the ease with which I can move from MC to MM and back again. Yes, I do have to adjust the weight, but that isn't a big deal. I just switched away from the LH-13 over to the Ortofon M15E with a D15ES stylus on the Grace headshell. I also have an Ortofon VMS 30 mk II stylus, which I'm also going to try. However I am playing the wrong record, I think, for assessing styli and cartridges along with headshells. But it is a cold and wet day today that never got above 11 Celsius. Good day to play around with my turntable gear! So stay tuned for more impressions. Later on, I'm going to try the ADC QLM 30 MKIII on an Ortofon SH-4 headshell. After which I'm going to move the ortofon over to my Sony headshell for use with the PS-X600. I have a Kenwood/Trio headshell with Azimuth adjustment I want to try with an Excel ES-25E I have. I was planning on doing that tonight, but I ran into a little snag and that threw me off my game. The D15ES is going to need a little more force than I'm willing to attempt at this time.

I have a rule of thumb where if I smoke or drink, I don't start troubleshooting or reconfiguring anything. I tend to screw it up. The first beer went down so well with the Chili I warmed up. I'm enjoying my second Side Launch Hibiscus Sour beer right now. It's going down quite nicely right now. So no more playing around with different configurations for the night. For the record, listening to Traffic "On The Road" using the QLM 30. Made a minor adjustment to the furniture and adjusted the left Kef 107 a little further away from the wall. Sounding very nice!

 

[candyflip]

I've been spending a lot of time with the LH-13 with the VM95E lately. I really like the ease with which I can move from MC to MM and back again. Yes, I do have to adjust the weight, but that isn't a big deal. I just switched away from the LH-13 over to the Ortofon M15E with a D15ES stylus on the Grace headshell. I also have an Ortofon VMS 30 mk II stylus, which I'm also going to try. However I am playing the wrong record, I think, for assessing styli and cartridges along with headshells. But it is a cold and wet day today that never got above 11 Celsius. Good day to play around with my turntable gear! So stay tuned for more impressions. Later on, I'm going to try the ADC QLM 30 MKIII on an Ortofon SH-4 headshell. After which I'm going to move the ortofon over to my Sony headshell for use with the PS-X600. I have a Kenwood/Trio headshell with Azimuth adjustment I want to try with an Excel ES-25E I have. I was planning on doing that tonight, but I ran into a little snag and that threw me off my game. The D15ES is going to need a little more force than I'm willing to attempt at this time.

I have a rule of thumb where if I smoke or drink, I don't start troubleshooting or reconfiguring anything. I tend to screw it up. The first beer went down so well with the Chili I warmed up. I'm enjoying my second Side Launch Hibiscus Sour beer right now. It's going down quite nicely right now. So no more playing around with different configurations for the night. For the record, listening to Traffic "On The Road" using the QLM 30. Made a minor adjustment to the furniture and adjusted the left Kef 107 a little further away from the wall. Sounding very nice!

I stopped drinking so I wouldn't f#4k up any more carts!

 

[BilboBaggins]

Yeah, I'm not ready to do that yet.

I was patient last night and really enjoyed the listening session once I stopped thinking gear. This morning, with a clear head and a steady hand, I used my little jewelers screwdriver to pry the stylus off the cartridge. It has the rectangular shank as opposed to the hourglass shank. The VMS 30 mk II went on nicely, and I am loving how they sound together. I bought the VMS 30 mkII quite a while ago and forget why I didn't install it. Likely, I was just getting to know the D15ES. I wonder what the difference is between these two styli?

I had a good source for these pre COVID. He has since disappeared.

So yeah, I'm listening to the Grace headshell with the Ortofon Cartridge (don't remember which one, will check the next time I take it off the headshell), and the VMS 30 mkII. The Sax sounds perfect! Just the right amount of grit. Listening to Stan Getz currently, but spent the day listening to various favourites such as Al Green, Amie Winehouse Patti Smith, and lots of various Bossa Nova. It was another crappy day, so after checking for some things, I've been researching coffee grinders and listening to records. I've convinced myself I should upgrade from my 14 year old Compak K6 Pro coffee grinder to something pretty nice. It should help me with getting more consistent results. I only get god shots about once every few weeks these days. Foot note: The last time I tried upgrading my coffee grinder, I put the supposed upgrade for sale after a month. This grinder I am looking at is/was being used for Barista competitions. The rest lies with me.

Back on topic, I wasn't really liking the DL-103 last night. Which is why I changed the stylus on the Ortofon this morning. I liked the D15ES, but I love the Ortofon VMS 30 mkII with the GT-2000!

 

[ctjetta]

All good stuff! Let us know how your search for a coffee grinder goes.

 

[BilboBaggins]

Still listening to the VMS 30 mkII today. Also considering how I can make a practical and nice looking finger rest for te Kenwood headshell with azimuth from HiFiDo. It is the second headshell I bought without a finger rest (much cheaper). I don't want to change out the Ortofon cartridge, but I do want to try out that Signet cartridge. I'm enjoying that ortofon/grace combo too much!

So I started by looking around to see what I had to mcgyver with, and found a few options. Remembering a thread here on AK, I am going to reject any steel options. So looking at a pop can bottom. It had possibilities, but I think the aluminum is too thin. Then I thought of the aluminum siding, and I have a piece that I should be able to adapt. I will also take a look see under the deck for other options.

And yeah, I opened another rabbit hole with the thought of upgrading my grinder. I'm looking at a Mahlkonig K30 Vario used or a Ceado E37J new. I think I'm going to go for the larger Burrs because otherwise, I will always be second guessing myself. Plus, I will be able to try the Mahlkonig with a super dual boiler Slayer espresso machine! That will be a treat by itself. Added bonus, he roasts his own beans. However, that doesn't stop me from second guessing myself. I hadn't budgeted for it, and I don't know if I could find another machine like that used in this area. There is limited turnaround on quality espresso gear around here.

I still have time to decide as he hasn't gotten his replacement. An upgrade to a Mahlkonig E80 GBW.

 

[BilboBaggins]

Revisiting this thread. I'm still using the VMS 30 mkII. Listening to Ric Ocasek "Beatitude" at the moment. Next will be Gilbert and Wanderly "A certain Smile A certain Sadness". Who knows where the moment will take me? I'm home alone tonight, so taking advantage of playing music at higher than normal volume. OK, time to go to Gilberto/Wanderly. Ah, much better!

So although I'm enjoying the stylus too much and that is delaying the experimentation somewhat, I see this as part of the process. Get to know the new combination well before moving on to other listening tests.

I did decide upon a coffee grinder. I did a full 180 and decided to get a single doser stepless grinder with a much bigger burr set. It didn't make sense to continue suffering from stale coffee retention issues when all I needed to do was get a good prosumer grinder. The coffee comes out very fluffy with a lot less powder. It is the DF83 v2 with 83 mm DLC burrs. The grinder has moved my espresso to a whole new level. Now, instead of regularly getting a good shot and sometimes getting an exceptional shot, I can now consistently get an exceptional shot. My coffee has gone from better than most, to as good as the best I've had. I'm very happy with the results. I actually had to modify a few of my techniques to get there, but the new grinder gave me the clarity to easily identify those other issues.