A deck too far !

[soulminer]

Isn't a D103 very low compliance, and isn't a Hadcock a fairly low effective mass ?? That wouldn't make a very good combo in my opinion. A low compliance MC like a 103 should surely be used in a medium to high mass arm, and the Hadcock would surely like the company of a higher compliance cart, such as a good MI or MM ?? Just a thought.

[andrew ivimey]

Agreed about extra mass and that's where Lee's posting comes in.

I have been using denon103 with JVC direct drive deck (probably the closest match) rb250 arm, hadcock arm and GL78 and Hadcock arm and 401.

The 103 was an attempt at at least making something the same throughout.

I added extra mass to the JVC arm and that helped. I have been more worried about VTA to add the same mass to goldring or now 401 but will get round to it.

I have high expectations of adding mass but I can't help thinking that this is not what Hadcock had in mind when he envisaged the arm's use.

[Paul Barker]

Surely through bolting mass from top of the headshell has the same effect but doesn't alter vta.

[andrew ivimey]

with apologies to Nick's lurchers, that would make the hadcock look a right dog!

I have been measuring out lumps of blu-tak for experiments after tea.

[andrew ivimey]

After a good week of listening to the 401 / Hadcock experiment, I was pleased. I feel much of the character of teh soudn I am getting is down to the 103 and good as it has become, I think it prefers the higher mass, long JVC arm / direct drive.

Today I have gone back to the GyroDec / rb300 / eroica. Overall it sounds wonderful. FULL STOP. The bass isn't so deep or clear but mid and top and smashing and 'overall' it is a lovely balance and aural picture.

I think the 401 will have to go. It is a known quantity; an excellent deck but I have been thoroughly seduced by the GL78 or doing it all for £21 plus my homemade plinth.

I'd be happy to sell the GyroDec too. There is something perverse in my character that likes the quirky and (not literally) offbeat; the 6C33 rather than el34.

Having said that, I have an old 3009mk2 waiting in the wings for the 401 - Oh I can't be bothered! The 401 needs a decent plinth and then it would really shine.

Greg's balls have arrived too.

[Martin213]

Andrew,
6C33's are ugly

Hehe

[andrew ivimey]

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder - anyway -

It wasn't a fair race but ...

The GL78 and Hadcock win!

The 401 can wait for a decent plinth, if I can be bothered.

The GyroDec can wait ( a few weeks at least) for a better cartridge and then we will see.

The GL78 / Hadcock / Denon 103 is delightful.