High Compliance Cart on Heavier Arm


Hi. To improve my Denon DL-103 cartridge on a standard removable headshell tonearm, I have added weight to the headshell (shell + cart + weights are about 22 grams or so), VTF about 2.4 grams.

I also have a Denon DL-301 higher compliance cart also on a weighted headshell to make an exchange easy between the two. VTF adjusted for the DL-301 (about 1.8 grams).

My question is: Is there any compelling reason why I shouldn't be running the DL-301 on a weighted arm? I know not to run the DL-103 on a high compliance arm but is there a penalty for the other way around with the DL-301 on a heavier arm (headshell) than required by Denon? For the record, it sounds great and seems to track well and I don't have to adjust the counterweight every time I switch. Thanks in advance, Andy.

andy8400

Showing 2 responses by andy8400

Thanks, I appreciate the feedback. I'm in basic agreement with Noromance's rule which why I had mentioned it.

Mijostyn, I have had no acoustic feedback or rumble (except on select records where it was recorded that way) except once when the TT faced the speakers. It was the hinged cover that was catching the bass as a scoop! Rearranging my room and placing the TT 90 degrees from the speakers solved the problem.

I just wasn't sure if there were hidden problems that would affect or wear out the DL-301's stylus prematurely. Also, even with the added weight I might still not be in "high mass" tonearm range. BTW, I'm my case it IS easy... just remove the weights!

Finally, I wonder if all high compliance cartridges, MM or MC, would perform better or with increased stability if the tonearm were adjusted for medium compliance, i.e., just a little stiffer or heavier than recommended. It seems to work for me, sound wise.
OK asked and answered! Thanks mijostyn and to chaster for the link. I can get that record from Music Direct or even from Amazon. It should be interesting to see how close I came. It will be my third test LP over 50 years starting with the "Shure - An Audio Obstacle Course".. showing you just how long I've been playing with hi-fi!

PS mijostyn, I don't use Ajax, I use Zud. Now you really know how old I am lol! Thanks for all of your advice. 73, Andy