marantz 6300, Denon DL-103 and me

[kmp14]

I just finished my first full restore: a Marantz 6300. I have zeroed in on a Denon DL-103 cart as a great fit. I have been reading that a typical MC preamp (I have a Cambridge Azur 640p) will not do it justice. I am on a tight budget here, so I am considering getting a Denon AU-300LC step-up transformer. Here come the dumb questions:

1. Will the Denon AU-300LC do what I need to make the DL-103 work well with my preamp?

2. When using the step-up transformer and DL-103, do I still use the MC input on my preamp, or should I use the MM input?

3. Should I really be concerned about 2.5 grams (vs 1.5 on many modern carts) and record wear? Are we talking 10 plays and a record is worn out? 100?

As you can see, I have a lot more learning to do, so any and all tips and opinions will be greatly appreciated! Thanks.

[Alec124c41]

A step-up transformer feeds into the moving-mahnet input.
Might I suggest the Denon DL-301 II? It should match your arm better, has more sophisticated construction, and a gorgeous sound, and is not outrageously priced.

Cheers,
Alec

[Trackside]

The 301 is a lot more expensive than the 103 - not really fair to compare them. 2.5 g won't wear your records as only mistracking with do this. Not sure what specs are for the Marantz arm but the DL-103 sounds best with a high mass arm for a a number of reasons.

[A.Wayne]

Get the DL 110 and forget about the step up transformer, if not for the same money try for an SAE, they are NOS and will not require an stepup unit ..


Regards

[BrianLW]

A step-up transformer feeds into the moving-mahnet input.
Might I suggest the Denon DL-301 II? It should match your arm better, has more sophisticated construction, and a gorgeous sound, and is not outrageously priced.

Cheers,
Alec

I have a 6300 TT with a DL-103r mounted, and with the Hi-Fi News Analogue Test LP I measure lateral resonance around 8-9 hz and vertical around 9-10 hz. Based on that I would think the DL-301 might end up near 6 hz. Do you know what the effective mass with standard headshell is for the Marantz 6300? I've never been able to find that info.

~Brian

[Trackside]

I run a Musical Fidelity V-LPS with my DL-103 and don't have any problems with the sound quality or the gain. If you are on a budget this may be a viable solution as I'm sure you can get a good price for your existing phono stage S/H. Your TT looks like it has a high mass arm so the 103 could well be a better match physically than a DL-110 or a 301.

[Alec124c41]

A step-up transformer feeds into the moving-mahnet input.
Might I suggest the Denon DL-301 II? It should match your arm better, has more sophisticated construction, and a gorgeous sound, and is not outrageously priced.

Cheers,
Alec

I have a 6300 TT with a DL-103r mounted, and with the Hi-Fi News Analogue Test LP I measure lateral resonance around 8-9 hz and vertical around 9-10 hz. Based on that I would think the DL-301 might end up near 6 hz. Do you know what the effective mass with standard headshell is for the Marantz 6300? I've never been able to find that info.

~Brian

I stand corrected.

Cheers,
Alec

[Hanuman]

I have a 6300 TT with a DL-103r mounted, and with the Hi-Fi News Analogue Test LP I measure lateral resonance around 8-9 hz and vertical around 9-10 hz. Based on that I would think the DL-301 might end up near 6 hz. Do you know what the effective mass with standard headshell is for the Marantz 6300? I've never been able to find that info.

~Brian

I stand corrected.

Cheers,
Alec

All the same, I don't think it's valid to just guess at that 6Hz number - the 301 would have to be measured to be sure. FWIW I don't see why the high-ish compliance 301 should present a problem. The 6300 surely was not targeted at low-compliance cartridges. Indeed, the manual demonstrates a Shure MM being screwed in.

[BrianLW]

I just measured my Shure M91ED - 5 hz.
My Denon DL-110 measures 7 hz. So does my SAE1000e, and it sounds wonderful on the 6300.
I've had many cartridges on the Marantz over the years. Before I mounted the DL-103r, the highest I ever measured was 8 hz with an Ortofon 2M Red.
Maybe I have a defective arm?

I didn't mean to drag the thread off topic, I was merely commenting on what would be a good match to the weight of the arm. Personally I'm happy with anything from 6 to 10 hz. Google "Peter Pritchard resonance" for the 6 hz argument.

Getting back to the OP question, all I can say is the dl-103 sounds really nice in the 6300. I am using it with an SUT into the MM input of my preamp.

I also second the recommendation of the SAE1000. It is my #2 cartridge on the Marantz right behind the DL103.

I would still like to find data on the actual effective mass of the 6300 arm.


Disclaimer: I measured MY cartridges on MY 6300. Your mileage may vary.

[kmp14]

I am the OP. Thanks for all the great info. I went ahead and ordered the Denon sut that lp gear sells. I will compare that going into the mm input, vs direct into the mc input and see how it goes...., thanks again!