Just unwrapped my first turntable: a brand new Technics 1210. I want to pair it with a Denon DL-103 cartridge and Decware phono stage and transformer. The problem is that right now I can only afford the cartridge. But I'm dying to listen to the thing! Do I:

A. Get the used Grado PH-1 phono stage at my local hifi shop ($300, it has a hi gain mode but from what I can tell the DL-103 should still have a step up transformer, which I won't have)

B. Get an economy MM cartridge and something like a Cambridge 64p phono stage ($300 for both combined)

Which would sound better and would either sound a LOT better than good CDs played on a 15 year old Marantz CD-80?

I have a Mini Torii and a pair of 94db Cabasse Skiff 301s

Thanks!

Boomer,

Congradulations on your first turntable!  I really prefer vinyl to cd myself.  

I didn't see your first post, but I probably wouldn't have replied anyway because of my limited experience with various cartridges and/or phono stages.  The only cartridge type that I have used is MM (I currently use a Goldring 1042) along with the Decware ZP3 phone stage feeding my Torrii MKII.  I am extremely happy with the setup.  As my cartridge is getting a lot of miles on it, I have been considering what cartridge to get next (if I decide to move away from the Goldring).  I have been favoring the Ortofon 2M Black, so I will look forward to hearing anything additional you may offer on the 2M Blue as it breaks in.

Have fun with the new rig.

bill