DENON DL-304. Is it the bargain sound or not?

Yes, I agree. I think loading is the problem. The MC input impedance on your preamp is 220 ohms. I guess somewhere between 40 and 100 ohms would do it for you if you don't have a transformer. You could make up some loading plugs and try different values. 49 ohms would net you 40. 183 ohms would get 100. Loading plugs are hooked up as a parallel load, usually with a Y adapter. You can figure out the values here:
www.sengpielaudio.com/calculator-paralresist.htm

The 304 is a good cartridge, just a little tricky to get dialed in. Once you figure out the load you can solder the parallel resistors right to the input jacks inside your preamp.
Regards

Hi Delamostrel,
I really can't account for the difference between the tables. I suspect you'll have to do some mods to get great performance from a LOMC like the 304. I used it on an Alphason 100S and a Kenwood 770d. Getting it dialed in was tricky and the loading is unusual to say the least. I think you might have to use some resistors closer to 50 ohms. Getting the tonal balance right is only part of the problem. Maybe the 1200 in its present form just isn't a good match for the 304. The posters above offered a glimpse of the improvements used on this table. If you search, you'll find a ton of info on this subject if you want to pursue it. KAB is a good place to start.

In the mean time I think you'll get better results with a medium compliance MM/MI cartridge. They are more forgiving of arm resonance and many other arm/table considerations. Often the MM phono stages are cleaner and better sounding in a preamp like your 304. I don't know this specifically about this model, but it might be much better. Having the coils move puts demands on the arm and supporting structure that a moving magnet does not. If you still have the DL-160, maybe that would work better I don't know. There are some nice sounding high output carts you could get also.

I know of someone who uses a DL-S1 on a 1200. I don't know what mods he's done to the table. Apparently he's getting great results loading at 30 ohms. I think he has a high end preamp, I'm not sure. I don't have an immediate solution for you. I hope this sheds some light.
Regards,

Hi Del,
That was quick. The MP-500 is said to be better than an MP-50. I haven't heard it but the 50 is a nice cart. The 500 is probably fuller sounding than the 150MLX. The 150 is a very good cart, but you might have to load it down like the 304. This would be resistors somewhere between 100K and 300K. It's hard to predict results. It's very dependant on system and taste. The Ortofon 2M Black is held in high regard. Here it's around $660. If you're thinking of a Grado it might be worth it to consider a Sonata. It's said to be a nice improvement over lesser models. It's $600. You could get a nice Clearaudio for that money too. The AT7V is relatively inexpensive and would be a terrific value. It's sweeter sounding than the 150MLX. It might not be quite as detailed. In Europe I believe it's around $200. At LpGear on the net, it's $129.

If you want to save money you should consider a used MM. Most have a user replaceable stylus. As long as it's working properly, a new stylus will make it sound as new. A caution about buying a vintage cart - sometimes a new stylus is unavailable. You should check this out before buying. There are many nice models of current and older models that come up for sale. You could pose the question on the long "Who needs a MM" thread. I'm sure you'll get some good recommendations.
Regards,