2. analog
  3. 189869-115562

Tale of two turntables

I have two turntables.

One is a Rega P3 with every conceivable groove tracer upgrade. The other is a Lenco L70, also upgraded with an audio creative bearing, idler wheel and sitting in a massive DIY plinth. I’m using an Audio Technica 1009 arm with it.

On the Rega I have an Apheta 2 cart

On the Lenco I have a Denon 103R

These are two VERY different philosophies on how to go about building a turntable and they sound quite different. To my ear, the Rega with the Apheta is very detailed with great realistic timbre and lots of air around the instruments. The Denon with the Lenco is super energetic and emotional with great PRAT and a big soundstage but not nearly as detailed and instruments are not as finely rendered. The Rega sounds like a miniature super fine and detailed painting, while the Denon sounds like a huge canvas with broader and bolder colors. I like both, but if I had to choose it would be the realism of the Rega.

Here’s my question: Would a retip of the Denon and or changing/nuding the body bring it closer to the Apheta? I’m loving the excitement and emotionality of the Denon but I’m craving more detail and air. Am I barking up the wrong tree? Would I be better served looking at a different cart for the AT1009 arm? I know that the Apheta retails for way more than the Denon, so it’s better performance shouldn’t come as a surprise but I’m wondering what the benefits of modding the Denon would be?

I know I could just move the Apheta over to the Lenco, but I kind of want a nice cart on both turntables so I can hear them both at their best side to side.

adam8179

Showing 2 responses by adam8179

adam8179 OP
72 posts
 

I've tried the Apheta on the Lenco.  It sounds good but I think it's better with the Rega arm.  I'm pretty happy with leaving the Apheta on the P3.  I realize it's kind of a mismatch in terms of having such a high end cart on such a lowly table but I was able to get the Apheta at a steal bc it had a bent cantilever.  Sent it to be 'retipped' but the guy just had to repair the bent cantilever so I got it all said and done for $500.

I have the Neo PSU for the P3 so speed is dialed in.

@lewm I agree that this is also an issue with the tonearms.  I got the Denon 103R because it's low compliance and likes high mass arms, which the AT 1009 is one.  I think the Apheta prefers the medium mass Rega arm.

 

I guess my question was more about what cart should I get for the Lenco?  I want something low compliance that has some of the characteristics I like in the Apheta without losing the excitement and big soundstage of the Denon.  Wondering if modding the Denon would give me that, or if I should look at something else?

adam8179 OP
72 posts
 

thanks guys. I think I'm gonna take the plunge and try modding my denon.  There's a lot to like and I can only imagine it will get better.  @lewm thanks for the recommendation of the headshell, I think I'll try it!

More to discover