Denon dl103. With thorens td160s/sme 11 improved

[Papa Dee]

Currently have a Yamaha CR2020 receiver which has a moving coil input option, but I use an Arkless modified Cambridge Audio 640p which has loading plugs for moving coil.
1. I currently alternate between a Denon dl110 and a Shure V15 111 and wonder if a Denon dl103
would see a marked improvement in my setup.. and whether the Dl103 would be compatible with the SME
arm.
Thanks Dee

[Beobloke]

No, the DL103 isn’t a good match for a 3009 S2 Improved.

[Papa Dee]

I’ve read reviews both positive and negative about the merits of the Denon dl103 but have never had a moving coil in
any of my setups.There is nothing wrong in my current setup I enjoy the way it sounds and alternate between the Denon
Dl110 and the Shure V15 111.Its my understanding that the SME headshell is too light for the Dl103 hence my questions about a heavier headshell...preferably magnesium.. and how heavy...?and does this mean I would have to change the arm
on my Thorens to utilise the benefits of the dl103

[tlscapital]

Its my understanding that the SME headshell is too light for the Dl103 hence my questions about a heavier headshell...preferably magnesium.. and how heavy...?and does this mean I would have to change the arm on my Thorens to utilise the benefits of the dl103

Not only the headshell, it's the whole tonearm effective mass that counts. That since this low compliant cartridge design needs more vertical inertia to perform optimastically. And to add mass on the headshell side, you'll need to counter add mass to the counterweights sides as well.

Ideally if your DL-103 cartridge (8.5 grams) and headshell (plus mounting plate and shim if ever) can buid up to 20 grams and about, you should be fine to make it sing with only a heavier counterweight and a heavier bias weight with the original rider weight pulled to it's maximum to balance the whole tonearm.

Only caution is about your knife edge bearing made. Early versions of the 'Improved' SME's have a steel knife edge bearing that are preferred but then require an inner tube/wand dampening to prevent "ringing" issues. The later 'Improved' have a nylon knife edge bearing that shouldn't need that dampening. Or change of tonearm.