Originally Posted by
Marco
Hi Steve,
Much as I love the Paradise phono stage, having heard versions of it now on three occasions, I'm not sure that it's particularly suited to the DL-103 any more so than it is to any other high-quality MC cartridge.
In my experience, which with optimising DL-103s is considerable, they really 'like' a quality valve MM phono stage (such as anything Jez, Firebottle or lurcher could build for you), used in conjunction with an equally high-quality MC head amp (again made by any of the trio of gents mentioned) or SUT.
Or, as Andy says, you could use a Lentek head amp, with any of said valve MM stages, which you can usually pick up on ebay for about £70. The Lentek positively LOVES the DL-103, and used in conjunction with a quality valve MM stage, you'd be blown away by the sound produced. Trust me! ;)
Marco.