Can I stick me muddy paws in again?
Marco, if loading the Denon with 250 - 470 Ohms makes it brighter, I suspect it's because this latter loading makes the response "flat" as this is one area the 103 excelled at - a pretty neutral response despite the conical stylus tip.
I'm sure that step-up transformers may add something of their own, but thanks to you guys I'm beginning to see the slightly wider view that domestic audio possibly needs that indefinable "something" to enable suspension of disbelief. A fully clinical and "truthful" monitoring system may not always be enjoyable - one reason why I've had some stick elsewhere for supporting Harbeth's monitors, passive or not, as one gets a pretty honest sounding box which can be listened to for hours on end with much enjoyment and no fatigue..
That simple head amp design linked to by Marco *should* be fine, as the circuit is so simple. I can't be a*sed to take the lid off the AVI preamp, but the "good" transistor numbers seem very familiar, as the AVI output stage has those (I think) biased heavily into class A, judging by the heat they give off...
Next up - I've FINALLY drilled the TD125 arm-board and mounted the R200 to it. I'll finally have the TD125 going after eighteen months and this is one springy belt-drive I want to get out of my system
Tear down these walls; Cut the ties that held me
Crying out at the top of my voice; Tell me now if you can hear me