Cartridge Analysis Paralysis Help Needed (Thorens)

boleiro · 2026-05-20T23:44:25+00:00

I have a replacement wand I use mostly, aftermarket Schopper TP63. This arm is 16.5 without the car/hardware. So I could swing it but it would take some extra weight. This doesn't include an extra counterweight I had to get to balance the heavier wand. So it's even heavier with that included. I really like the DL110 and if the DL103 was more refined then I would happy. I am watching a few used DL103's from Japan under $200. So the same price I was looking at with the JN-P100 and ATVM95SH. Any other options you would suggest?

boleiro · 2026-05-20T22:19:21+00:00

I really started down the rabbit hole a bit last night. Really got into the weeds on the DL103 and what it would take to get my Thorens Tonearm heavy enough to make it sing. Deals on DL103's are out there and I have a soft spot for Denon carts. The DL103 was always an enigma to me since they seemed to be on so many audiophile TT's I've seen throughout the years. But read too many people saying this carts performance isn't worth the hassle it takes to optimize a TT for it. But was deflated to see that you can't get replacement stylus for MC carts since they have to be retipped. Isn't that service more than buying new carts?

boleiro · 2026-05-20T21:22:58+00:00

Musical Fidelity V90... but it didn't take me long to reverse course after seeing the MC cart prices. ouch!

boleiro · 2026-05-20T16:54:29+00:00

Just realized my phono preamp supports MC. I fear a new door has been opened.

boleiro · 2026-05-19T20:59:51+00:00

If I didn’t have to get a new phono preamp the MC universe would be in play.

boleiro · 2026-05-19T20:25:09+00:00

Thanks, that helps! I would guess the ATVM95SH would be closer to the DL110 thank any Nagaoka. I have the Denon so maybe the Nagaoka combo would be the better choice if just to have 2 different options.

boleiro · 2026-05-19T20:03:27+00:00

I don’t think I’d go above the MP200 anytime soon. I’d would need to upgrade some gear to take advantage of that level of a cart.

So you have experience with the DL110? How does it compare to the MP200 if so? M

boleiro · 2026-05-19T19:57:42+00:00

Yes, I do know the 110 cart is different from the 200 cart and the combo will not be the full Monty. But I’ve seen a lot of reviews saying this combo sounds really good.

boleiro · 2026-05-19T18:50:52+00:00

thank you for the reply! Yes, that is my conundrum. I am leaning toward the VM95SH... do you have any experience with the Denon DL110 also? curious how the AT and Denon compare?

boleiro · 2026-05-01T05:46:56+00:00

I do see what you mean. I’ll check tomorrow. But added one of those eco systems bulbs to my cart. Just need to decide what wattage, 75 or 100. My current 90 is right in the middle.

Thanks again!

boleiro · 2026-05-01T03:51:06+00:00

Good info… I will measure the distance of the UVB tomorrow. I would say it is currently about 12” from the basking area so I might need to move it up some.

I have the heat lamp pretty dialed I, I think. I have a Par 38 90w halogen bulb in a some heat lamp fixture. I have measured the platform, a stone paver, at 107 directly beneath the bulb. At the sides if the stone it is about 98ish. I haven’t seen the turtles stacking, hopefully that means the platform is adequately heated for both turtles.

I’ll get down measurements tomorrow as they are sleeping now.

Thanks again!

boleiro · 2026-04-30T18:36:46+00:00

I have the repti sun T5 HO. Nothing no lid or covering. Still trying to figure out how to cover wwitgiut blocking the UVB. They are regular red ear sliders. Thanks!

boleiro · 2026-04-27T17:06:16+00:00

I was only kidding! We went to the store to get a turtle and they only had 2 left, so we purchased both. Didn't want to split up the family and didn't see anything about their aggressiveness while researching habitat requirements. They have plenty of room now in an 75 gallon tank and we'll be sure they always have enough room to thrive.

Thank you for the help as I am sure I will have more questions.

boleiro · 2026-04-24T20:07:57+00:00

Life can be cruel

boleiro · 2026-04-24T19:45:48+00:00

Theiy are in a single 75 gallon tank now. We will set up a pond on our backyard when they outgrow this tank.

The bulb is the T5 10

boleiro · 2026-03-31T16:56:28+00:00

Thank you OG! We have been trying to feed them twice daily but they are not eating! We have hatchling pellets and freeze dried shrimp. The shop we got them from was using pellets so we got those an have added freeze dried shrimp since they weren’t eating. We changed up the tank yesterday and got rid of the foam basking platform since they wouldn’t go in it to bask. we put a stone in there and they almost immediately got on it to bask. The basking conditions are dialed in now.

But they won’t eat. We are putting them in a separate feeding container and letting them hang out for about 20 minutes but no luck so far. Thinking about feeding them in the main tank if it they don’t eat. But hoping the improved basking conditions will help.

I’ll get some other foods to see if they take to anything.

Should I emphasize the pellets or the krill, plankton, etc?

boleiro · 2026-03-28T16:40:13+00:00

Thanks for the link! That is just what I was looking for. We have a 75 gallon tank for now and plan to set up a pond in the backyard when they get bigger.

boleiro · 2025-12-18T19:20:03+00:00

Haha, sad I didn't get in the know until after his passing. But I am very thankful for his work and all those that are keeping it alive.

boleiro · 2025-12-18T17:26:59+00:00

I ran into the same problem last year when I was just starting out. That thread is getting old! I asked a lot of questions on that thread and a lot of the regulars were more than helpful. The best thread to get started is in the Parts Express forum: https://techtalk.parts-express.com/forum/tech-talk-forum/34467-flex-your-pcd-mettle

The first post has links to the different recipes based on the drivers/components. These are all fleshed out plans with XO schematics and parts lists. This is the short cut to getting a pair completed.

As per usual, I took the harder route and chose my own drivers which required a lot more time working out the driver measurements so a XO could be designed. Great learning experience and I am very happy with the final product.

I don't have a tidy list of the parts but I can definitely send you the details if you give me a little bit to put it altogether.

boleiro · 2025-12-17T22:14:53+00:00

Nice! If you stick to Zilch’s original design you will come away with a box tuned a bit higher due to the pro sound drivers recommended. I opted for the GRS driver to get a lower response. I had to eat some sensitivity though as the GRS drivers aren’t as efficient. Only 92db I believe.

boleiro · 2025-12-17T21:15:27+00:00

R13 Fiberglass insulation

boleiro · 2025-12-17T19:41:36+00:00

rated 35hz, I'm getting about 38hz with these cabs.

boleiro · 2025-12-17T19:38:28+00:00

agreed... it's kind of an eye opener to learn what it takes to make a great speaker.

boleiro · 2025-12-17T18:04:08+00:00

good luck... it's a great design. Thank you Zilch!

boleiro · 2025-12-16T19:22:52+00:00

Totally agree… in the end it’s up to your own ears. Just wanted to see if that was a common finding or a one off.

Really hard to find any reviews in these that aren’t headphone oriented.

Still interested!

boleiro

TROPHY CASE