The Denon DL-103 Works Well on the VPI Scout

 

Conventional wisdom says that the Denon DL-103 "wants a heavy tonearm," not the likes of the JMW9 on the VPI Scout, which is a low/medium mass arm.

Took me a while to do it but glad I did. It sounds fantastic. No distortion or resonance. Just the sweet full sound of the Denon.

I believe the rest of the system is important too, primarily, I think, a high-gain phono stage is a must.

In audio one always has to try out and see if "conventional wisdom" holds. Another such "wisdom" is that conicals lack detail. I believe the Denon in this set-up disproves it. The cart before this was a Dynavector DV20XL.

For now I will enjoy the Denon on the VPI Scout.

Settings: VTF 2.5 grams, neutral/minimal anti-skate

Phono stage: Jolida JD9 at 100 ohms, 47pf, gain setting 2, hi output, Sovtek Mullard reissue 12ax7s

Cambridge CXA60 used as pre-amp, Conrad Johnson MV55 power amplifier

LSA Tower 2 speakers

Cables: VPI phono, Ecosse Maestro, Audioquest Red River, Rega Duet