Denon DL-301 ii and others

[Entrigo]

Recently sold my Audio Technica AT-VM95ML as it was just gathering dust, as the RigB AT-VM540ML and the AT33PTGII are getting all the play time.

But I now have a little itch for another cartridge and preferably something a little different from the Audio Technica - possibly something a little warmer, and I was thinking Hana SL, Denon 103 or Dymavector 20x2 (I know, very different beasts but was casting my net wide).

Then I came across the DL-301 II on a thread and the more I look around the better things I hear about it.

Has anyone heard it, even better compared to the AT33PTGII?

Or has compared any of the others against the AT33PTGII?

Will be used on a stock Technics arm with KAB fluid damper (headshell to be purchased according to cartridge).

Thanks for any input folks!

 

[daytona600]

Warmer sounding try a Grado's Platinum 3 . Poor Man Koetsu
IMHO SL1200GR2 or SL1300G would be my next Step

Gramophone Dreams #67: Grado Platinum3 and Goldring Eroica H phono cartridges; Herbie's Way Excellent II turntable mat Page 2 | Stereophile.com

What the Platinum3 does best is rich and articulate. It played Modern Jazz Quartet (MJQ) & Guests' Third Stream Music (LP, Atlantic SD 1345) with uncanny true tone, high-tactility instrumental textures, and move-my-mind momentum. Its presentation was the kind that sucks you in.

www.stereophile.com

 

[Entrigo]

Warmer sounding try a Grado's Platinum 3 . Poor Man Koetsu
IMHO SL1200GR2 or SL1300G would be my next Step

Gramophone Dreams #67: Grado Platinum3 and Goldring Eroica H phono cartridges; Herbie's Way Excellent II turntable mat Page 2 | Stereophile.com

What the Platinum3 does best is rich and articulate. It played Modern Jazz Quartet (MJQ) & Guests' Third Stream Music (LP, Atlantic SD 1345) with uncanny true tone, high-tactility instrumental textures, and move-my-mind momentum. Its presentation was the kind that sucks you in.

www.stereophile.com

Thanks for that. Aren't the Grado meant to be a bit "soft"? Seem to remember reading some people saying that - but I might be wrong. I am now starting to lean more towards the Dynavector, have read a few posts/reviews saying how good it is for "rocking out". But will look into the Grados

In terms of deck, I was hell bent on an upgrade to the higher tier Technics (1200GR2 or more likely 1300G) before realising they all have the same arm as the SL1500C... As mine is on a thick, wall mounted shelf, I thought the extra weight, isolation etc wouldn't be as useful as to someone who has it on a rack for example, and just the motor upgrade wasn't worth the outlay. So decided to splash out on cartridges and records instead.

At least for the time being... Next March is my 50th so a 1210G is likely on the cards!