Alternatives for Denon DL-160 cartridge?

Bubinga99

Well crap. Just realized the DL-160 output (1.6mV) is too low for my preamp's phono in (Adcom GTP-500 II).

Any suggested alternatives (probably MM rather than MC) to look into would be appreciated. The MSRP on the Denon DL-160 is $180 so I'd like to stay in that range or less.

Bubinga99

I forgot one detail, and for some reason couldn't edit my post.
The turntable is a Technics SL-1210M5G (just ordered it so don't have any past experiences with it).

quadzilla

If you're looking at that range, you could also consider an external phono stage, or even a step up. If you can tell us what you like about the Denon, then it would be easier to recommend a cart that had those qualities. The needle doctor is also very good at making cart recommendations.

Bubinga99

I'm afraid this TT/cartridge purchase has to be more like a blind date for me. I just don't have the capacity to audition in person, a bunch of combinations.

So I'm left with collecting a whole bunch of people's written opinions on different combinations, making judgments on how much weight to give to each of those opinions, and dropping a compass in the middle of the large pile of opinions and seeing where it points.

Yep, it's far less than ideal, but it's what I have to work with. But it's not an insane approach when you're not after "the absolute best for my hearing, my system, my room." My budget is WAY below that level, and I accept that it's possible I may not like the result.

The Denon+Technics is where the compass pointed. And now that I've explained all that, you've made me realize I break my own "decision system" by trying to substitute a different cartridge at this point.

So whether you realize it or not, your post was helpful!

Revising my original question...
(and taking a big GULP as I now realize this is going to cost me even more than planned)...

I'm looking for advice on an external phono stage to go between the Adcom Pre and the Technics+Denon combination.

edit: actually, an external phono pre with line level outputs is what I'm after, since I also plan to buy a solid state digitizer/recorder/player unit to archive my vinyl (and CD) collection. A direct connection to that would be best, and I could also plug into the Adcom's line inputs if needed.

polkatese

Perhaps you can try this:

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B000H2BC4E/ref=asc_df_B000H2BC4E961341?smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER&tag=googlecom09c9-20&linkCode=asn&creative=380341&creativeASIN=B000H2BC4E

It is $20 and it works on mine. I have DL-160 and SL1200MKII connected to a B&K REF50S2. Gain is on the low side (i.e. volume level needs to be higher to achieve normal listening level) but is not that bad. I have recently upgraded it to a Pro-Ject Tube Box II and the gain on this one is better.

PSOVLSK

http://www.polkaudio.com/forums/showthread.php?t=91037

Maybe this is an option.

Dawgfish

I've tried the ProJect Tube box with the Technics SL-1200/Denon DL-160combo and it works well, so like the others have suggested adding a seperate phono pre or step-up transformer would allow you to run this cart with your current pre. Another good cartridge I've seen in your price range is the Shure M97mxe. You can get these for as low as $69.95 from KAB USA (www.kabusa.com). Output is about 5 mv if memory serves me right. I've also tried this on my 1200 and it's a solid all around cartridge. It is very neutural and clean sounding. It doesn't do anything outstanding, but it doesn't do anything wrong either. If money is tight you could pick up the Shure cartidge and the phono pre for about the same price as a new DL-160. You can always pick up the DL-160 later on down the road as funds permit. To me the DL-160 is a great cartridge for it's price range and I like it a good bit better than the Shure. IMHO it would be worth the upgrade later on down the road.

Bubinga99

Thanks for the inputs guys. I ordered a Pro-Ject II pre from needledoctor.

PSOVLSK: thanks for the link, and while I'd generally like to buy from a CP member, I felt obligated to buy from the very helpful folks at needledoctor. They earned an "education" fee from me.