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Welcome Licorice Pizza (LP) lovers! Setup guides and Vinyl FAQ.

RE: Whatever the problem, it isn't the 103, if aligned properly and correct VTF.

I agree with your characterization of the midrange of this cartridge. But the fact remains that it's also exceedingly strident and in-your-face. The upper midrange is unbearable on poorly recorded material vs being neutral or tolerable. Check the same masterings on cd vs lp and the Denon is definitely brighter with up-tilted mids. I want to know how in the hell you make the Denon sound as smooth and warm as everyone says it is because I'm saying this is NOT a warm cartridge. It may have rolled off highs, but it is Altec/Klipsch horn-like in terms of the offensive, mid-band assault that it presents. I'm sitting here with Cardas cables, Quad 57s, a tube amp, and every vintage 12AX7 you can possibly imagine, so there doesn't seem much use in blaming my gear. I want to know how to make this cartridge work because I have a theory that this is how it sounds and that most of the qualities often attributed to this cartridge are purely mythical and wishful thinking. The midrange is lovely, though, if you can get past the horrendous fatigue factor.


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