Goldring 1042 V Denon DL103

[Batty]

I'm building a SUT (well putting a pair in a box and adding some connectors) so I can try out LOMC carts. I have the Goldring 1042 MM and was thinking that a Denon DL 103 gets good reviews. Has anyone compared the 2 in a head to head or even heard both. I'm interested in LOMC as I'v nevr heard one through my Copland, and a couple of hundred aussie $ will get me a DL103 or $300 will get me the R version. Is it worth it or do I keep trying to save up for a Benz Micro.

[DSJR]

If you have the RB250 still, I'd say not to bother, no matter how good the Rock is with various cartridges.

IMO, both the arm and deck deserve far better than a 1042 though. It's just the RB arms prefer the 304 cartridge in my experience.

Currently, I'm almost inclined to recommend a Rega Exact to you until you can try to find a good Townshend tonearm to match your deck properly.

[Batty]

I still have the rock, the RB250 has undergone a little work by J7 at AO and has a OL rear end, so is not stock.

[DSJR]

Doesn't matter, it's still too light to get the best out of the 103 and the lower tolerance brass bits don't always help, although they're easier for bodgers to modify and charge a fortune for the priviledge.

I haven't tried this and haven't a clue how it would compare with a good surviving Excalibur, but the 103 really does need something like a Jelco 750 (with AO exit lead perhaps?), which is still relatively cheap for the performance it offers (the Ortofon arms made by the same people are triple the price yet I suspect they're not really much if any better apart from the cachet of the name on them).

Just my gut instincts here and I'm happy to be corrected.

By the way, Rocks LOVED Deccas, and when these went off the boil for a few years, max decided on the Dynavector 17D series as a good replacement. Now London Deccas are back on form and reliable, I'd seriously suggest you look there once the arm shenanigans are sorted (see of you can contact Max himself for his advice). However you interpret this, a Rock/Excalibur/good Decca was as close to the mastering/cutting session as you're reasonably going to get, and Max did have knowledge of this at the time.

[Batty]

I'm finding with the outrigger fitted the 1042 requires the counterweight at the rear of the stub to allow 1.8g tracking weight, does this sound right to you?

[hifi_dave]

Yes, that's probably right. The outrigger is a big ol' lump which means the arm c/weight needs to be way out for balance.

The outrigger also provides sufficient mass for the DL 103 to work properly in the RB 250.

[Batty]

Thanks Dave, I thought that the extra weight at the front end must do more than damp.
Oh By the way, I reckon I've been in your shop in the past. I used to live in Stevenage before emigrating to Australia, think I bought an AT cart.

[synsei]

If you can Steve try to find someone who would be willing to lend you a DL103 for a wee trial before you part with any cash, at least that way you will know exactly where you stand... ;)

[southall-1998]

Rock II, Very good turntable!!!!

[DSJR]

Yes, that's probably right. The outrigger is a big ol' lump which means the arm c/weight needs to be way out for balance.

The outrigger also provides sufficient mass for the DL 103 to work properly in the RB 250.

Should be fine then :)

[Batty]

Just bought a DL103 for AU$172 about 105 quid including postage.