Sondek / Ittok / DL103R / Audio Technica OCM3
My kids are teenagers now, and it is time to get a decent stereo system up and running. My stuff has been in boxes for a few years, and the only components that I plan on sticking with is my turntable / tonearm. The old integrated amp and speakers go to the kids.
So, I am thinking of this topology:
Linn Sondek/Ittok-->Simplistic NJFET RIAA-->Lightspeed LDR attenuator-->Pass F5 amplifier-->high efficiency speakers to be determined.
I have always wanted to have a moving coil cartridge, but they were kind of snob items back when I was in grad school. Now, they seem quite affordable. So, I am looking at these:
Denon DL103R 0.25 mV 14 Ohm ($379 from Jerry)
Audio Technica OCM3 0.4 mV 12 Ohm ("on sale" for $499" from Jerry)
Since I don't yet own either cartridge, is one to be preferred over the other, with respect to matching with my tonearm and the preamp? Which of these cartridges best meets price/performance?
I found a circuit in this thread (page 266, post 2652) that uses the four 2SK170 JFETs, but I want to make sure that I am on the right track. Is this the right circuit (for me), or is there a better one?
My Sondek and Ittok are stock from 1988. Are they good enough for the cartridges? Do I need to perform any mods?
Also, any other words of caution or encouragement are welcomed. Thanks in advance to anyone that can help with this barrage of questions.
Andy