Brief Review: Schiit Mani, Part II, with Denon DL-103 and DL-A100
Letter from NYC (72) 2017 (11)
Article finished in HK
Schiit Mani, Part I
Reader Peter asked me whether the Denon DL-103 will work well with the Schiit Mani. Although in Part I I had used the Denon DL-304 successfully with the Mani, I just wanted to make sure. So I inserted the Mani into the recently re-constituted System I:
Analog 1: Thorens TD-124/SME "3012"/Denon DL-103
Analog 2: Technics SL-1200 MkII/Denon DL-102
Phonoamp: Aurorasound Vida (and Schiit Mani)
Preamp: Manley Neo-Classic 300B
Amp: Wavac MD-11
Loudspeakers: YL 4-way horn system
The Mani's loading is somewhat unusual 47 ohm (a bit lower than usual) for MC and 47k for MM. I used mostly the 47 ohm setting. For few days I played a few of my favorites as well as a bunch of pop music I just bought. Everything sounded lovely - definitely a good combination. Some people may worry about the lowish 47 ohm, especially since some think the DL-103 should be loaded a little higher than usual, but I encountered no problem. I also used 47k ohm on some classical - there is more sheen on the strings and quite listenable, though pop may occasionally become a trifle coarse.
Then I installed the Mani into my System III, in lieu of the StudioPhono.
Analog 1: Thorens TD-309/Denon DL-A100
Analog 2: Pioneer PL-50/Raos MC Mono
Phonoamp 1: Mofi StudioPhono (and Schiit Mani)
Phonoamp 2: 47 Labs Shigaraki
Buffer Amp: Schiit Saga
Preamp: Langevin 102
Amp: Wavac MD-811
Loudspeakers: YL 4-way horn system
The move is to test the combination in a shorter arm and lighter arm (not everyone has a heavy 12" arm, which is "said" to be optimal for DL-103). The DL-A100 is an anniversary version of the DL-103. Sonically the two are almost identical. And so in this system the same result was obtained. The Denon was able to play everything well.
It is simple to conclude that the Schiit Mani works well with Denon DL-103. I also once again am mightily satisfied by this cartridge, surely still after all these years a bargain. Its sound may not be the silkiest at the very top, and its bass may not be the tightest, but it is a good all-rounder. Most importantly, the DL-103 delivers emotionally, unlike many an expensive MC cartridge. Counting in the mono DL-102 and the DL-304 MC, I now have 4 Denon Cartridges in my systems!
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Hello, thank you for this review. But reading it, among many others, i'm triggered to ask how the Mani does/pairs with a HOMC. I own the Denon Dl-110 and it's been a matter that keeps me wondering. I'm thinking to bypass the on-board phono stage of my NAD C162 with the Mani. But i'm confused with the middle value specs of the cartridge and the capabilities of the Mani.
ReplyDeleteThey have a certain setting, they suggest for LOMM/HOMC but still have to ask..
Thank you
First, congratulations on owning an excellent cartridge. The Denon DL-110 is imho one of the best HOMC ever, lively and engaging, as most Denon cartridges are. I know it quite well as a good friend used to use it.I certainly prefer it to, say, Sumiko. Its price has crept up to DL-103 level. Denon's official spec's says 47k or more loading, so MM input is fine.I used to listen to it on my friend's MM phono and it was very fine.I am not a loading freak, but I know many people fuss unnecessarily over it.
DeleteThink of the DL-110 as a very good cartridge that will last you through many upgrades. Ya, consider a Denon Dl-103 too.
I am not so sure you should think about the Mani. The phono section of the NAD C162 is likely not bad (though probably not as good as the legendary 1020). The Mani (use MM at higher gain) will just sound different (likely warmer) but may not be truly superior.
I'd save up a bit for phono amps of the next level. Something like a second-hand Aurorasound Vida Prima and you will never need to upgrade again, but I understand that's a lot of money.
doctorjohn
DeleteThank you very much for your comments and insights. I am getting back into the vinyl and have just purchased a Thorens 309 and a schitt mani phono stage. Now looking for an upgrade to the standard cart that comes with the 309. I was thinking a mm cart like a Nagaoka mp-150 or mp-200 but was also considering the dl-103 as an option. How do you believe the the mc cart would compare to the mms mentioned with the 309 and mani combination.
You have to confirm which cartridge came with your TD-309. Mine was the cheap but venerable AT-95. The AT95 is musical, but subtractive in nature. Manufacturers like Clearaduio remove the AT95 body and give a a new shell and sell it for a lot more (the Aurum series). There are many online suggestions on how to mod this cartridge but it's not for beginners nor the faint of heart.
DeleteThe Nagaoka's are well regarded and surely will outperfrom the AT95. But, given my Denon bend, I'd consider the HOMC DL-110!
If your music is not all rock or heavy metal type stuff, if you listen to a lot of acoustic music and jazz, then I'd say go for the DL-103. Even with the lowly Mani, a good MC will be a TRANSFORMATIVE different experience.
There is en Ebay seller named 2 juki, from HK. I have bought all kinds of things from him and have never been disappointed. Check these 2 out:
https://www.ebay.com/itm/Denon-DL-103-MC-Cartridge-100-made-by-Denon-from-Japan-I-am-2juki-cartridge-/362974327717?_trksid=p2385738.m4383.l4275.c10
https://www.ebay.com/itm/Denon-DL-110-High-Output-MC-Cartridge-Made-by-Denon-100-Brand-New-from-Japan-/283915965961?_trksid=p2349526.m4383.l4275.c10#viTabs_0
AT these prices I think it's a no brainer, better value than Nagaoka. He ships from Hong Kong. It'll take a little longer, but no problem.
BUT, BUT, May I know your preamp amp and loudspeakers to make sure it has enough gain? Does your preamp have at least 10 db gain? The Mani MC is only 59 db, so it's OK for people like me, but passive preamp user will struggle.
One thing I really miss during this pandemic is browsing LPs, especially dollar bins. Man!
I hope your vinyl enthusiasm will continue, and it will if you are a music lover. Some audiophiles get into LP just for audio curiosity, but that will not last long sometimes. People who are into the music, cover art, etc always end up getting a second turntable (to say the least) and more cartridges.
No matter what, get back to me on any thread and let me know how it goes. I love hearing back from readers.
SO . . . got a Denon DL-103 to add to my pack of 100 cartridges . . . Tried with an older NAD receiver on mc setting. . . OK. Then tried with Carver 6250 mm preamp section . . . Actually very very nice. Subdued, quiet of course, silky, balanced, tasty! Vocals to die for. JVC QL-Y5F and Design Acoustics PS-10. Have a Schiit Mani in a draw. About to bring out. It was, as I recall, quite nice with Shure V15 III and V and Acutex 315 and others. So I will now change the arm on Denon to S and standard head shell and try the 103 with the Schiit preamp. I suppose I will begin with 47 ohms and both switches high. Then play with switches. Let you know how it turns out!
ReplyDeleteWell, I'm back. Took longer than expected to set VTF on Denon DL-72. Actual screws and 4 counter-weights and Q-Damping, VTF and Anti-skating. But easy, just slow. Anyway, tracking at 2.5 g. Played through older Yamaha surround sound and Design Acoustics D-12s and 3 subs in very large room. Began by trying 47 ohms and all switches to high setting. Ry Cooder's Bop Till You Drop. Little Sister was nice but a bit muddy. But Go Oh Home just blew me away. Everything was so clear. The guitar etched. Vocals not quite as good. Bass stunningly defined and musical and really shook my protoplasm! Killer instrument placement. It was so good that I have not yet tried setting any of the gain switches to low setting. But I will. Perhaps that will clear up the bit of muddiness that crept into complex passages. Will need to listen on the big Klipsch system sometime. I guess the odd thing is how much character this cartridge has for a 1962 radial. It has a very distinct sound. Usually this is bad and I prefer a more neutral reproducer. But in this case, the sound is so lovely, defined, and so three dimensional, sculptural, that I am in love with Miss 1962.
ReplyDeleteGlad to be reading this. The Denon DL-103 has always been an over-achiever
DeleteOne more comment. The Schiit Mani is the first really cheap phono preamp I've spend much time with since I bought 3 Dyna PAS3s in the 1970s. About $35 each. Cleaned them up and was stunned by the sound. But now they are a bit resonant and it adds an odd sheen to live music. Tried better tubes, etc. Probably need all caps replaced. But I digress . . . The point is that I have gone through Mac, Nakamichi, Onkyo, and lots of funny little boxes and while it's been fun, I only stuck with the Macintosh C26, the PAS3, and now the Schiit. It is a cheap little box with flaky switches and there is something a bit stark and unsubtle about the sound sometimes. BUT it is, none-the-less, a classic sound that has grown on me. Everything seems spread out naturally, with a soundstage that compliments the music. It is EXCITING! I never really heard The Allman Bros Eat A Peach Jam until the day I put a Shure V15III with a Shibata on an MCA direct drive Technics clone through the Schitt to a Yamaha 5280 and 5 1970s Sansui speakers, 2 supertweeters, and 4 subwoofers. It was my time machine and ticket to the Fillmore! But with lots better sound!
ReplyDeleteInteresting! The Mani certainly has its heart in the right place, actually an oddity among the many Schiit products, which split down the middle between (perhaps overly) neutral and more musical.
DeleteI like your comments about the Fillmore East and particularly an "appropriate" soundstage! You know what it should sound like! I am also intrigued by your setup. In fact, I'd like to hear more about it - if you read this can you email me for more discussions? doctorjohn@myself.com
Many thx for the detailed and (to me) fascinating) feedbacks.
Hi dr. John, this is Niki from HK too. I am searching some info about DL103 then I reached here with amazing information! Thanks for the sharing first.
ReplyDeleteIn fact I would like to ask you for a bit of advice, I'm using a Sumiko Pearl MM on my technics SL-1200MK3D with IFI Iphono2, I have been keeping an eye on whether I should upgrade to a MC such as DL103 (which is probably the best option within my budge range).
when I read the specs of both cartridges I realise the Pearl has a lower frequency response (12Hz vs 20Hz of the DL103) and also lower at the higher end (30KHz vs 45kHz); the Pearl also has a higher channel separation (30db vs 24db @1kHz) but lower channel balance (0.5db vs 1db). How to I read these specs to determine which is a better option?
Hi, while the Pearl is serviceable, moving on to the DL-103 will be night and day, especially since your iPhono can handle it. Also, the 103 is cheaper in HK than elsewhere. A no brainer and forget about the spec's.
Deletethanks for the advice!
DeleteI would then like to ask about the setting on the iphono2 with DL-103, while there is no 47 ohm option in the iphono2 (closest is either 33 or 75, starting from 22 up to 47K, some said 100 is the best tho), probably I should test around different setting. Looking forward to an upgrade to the 103 then!
On the internet many people are ridiculously over-concerned about loading. Nothing to worry about, the DL-103 works perfectly fine at 100 ohms.
Delete