Here's another thought: Since we're talking about LOMCs and the excellent tracking of the AT150, why not combine the two for the Audio Technica OC9? It has the MicroLine stylus and build quality of similar to the AT150, but is an LOMC priced about the same as the AT150 and between the price of the Denon DL-103 and the 103R. It's also more compliant thatn the 103 series.
08-20-07: Viridian
...the AT150 is the best tracker with the 540 behind it. The Denon is a good tracker and the Sonata is somewhat arm dependent. With that MC phono stage, why not use a low output MC? The Denon 103, if your arm has high effective mass, and the Benz MC20L if it does not.
denon 160, AT 150, orton 540 mk2 or Grado Sonata?
How would you describe the characteristics of each? Just as I decide on one, something pops up. The Denon is difficult to mount, the Grado hums etc. Does any of these jump out as the clear cut sonic winner and tracker?
The MC gain on my Outlaw receiver is such, as measured by Froemmer," The gain in MM mode, measured at the preamp output with the volume control at its maximum, was higher than usual at 50db; the MC mode added another 15db" Audiophiles, at the moment, I'm a little paralyzed by choices here for my VPI 19 jr, AQ 6 tonearm!
Thanks, again for your input.
The MC gain on my Outlaw receiver is such, as measured by Froemmer," The gain in MM mode, measured at the preamp output with the volume control at its maximum, was higher than usual at 50db; the MC mode added another 15db" Audiophiles, at the moment, I'm a little paralyzed by choices here for my VPI 19 jr, AQ 6 tonearm!
Thanks, again for your input.