I have a dps 3 turntable with the dps-modified Rega 2 arm and Lyra Dorian cartridge. The Dorian is getting a little long in the tooth, and I am thinking of replacing it. While I'm at it, the arm also is a logical upgrade candidate.

So, I'm looking for suggestions for great arm and cartridge combinations. (The dps 3 is staying; I also have a LP12 which is also staying, so no suggestions for difference TT please).

From the forum, I understand that the ARO with the big DV and heavy counterweight is a good combo. From other sources I understand that the Tri-planar and Miyabi 47 is a good combo. Any suggestions?

I gather there is some science to the matching of carts with arms, and any references for the non-technically inclined would be appreciated.

Thanks.

quote:

From other sources I understand that the Tri-planar and Miyabi 47 is a good combo.

Dunno...

A Tri-planar is such a downer in that it kills the spirit of M/47 to my ears.

The M/47 is better off with an ARO. Altho, I have no experience of ARO on a DPS. (the table probably needs a lively cartridge, tho so Miyabi is a good candidate for it. )

Kuma,

What version of the Tri-planar did you hear? Version VI or VII? With what cartridge?

obssessed,

I don't know what version.

The cartridges were Benz LP, Air Tight PC1, Dynavector XV1s as well as Miyabi/47.

Why not consider a Schroder tonearm instead?

Schroder is a consideration, but it is fussy to set up and - I understand - it may "drift" over time. Also, I don't know what carts work well with it (other than a german make of which I know nothing). But, that is part of the reason for my original post - don't know if anyone else has any experience with it.

Hello,

as far as I know the ARO is a perfect match for the DPS. The German Naim distributor used a DPS 3/Aro/Lyra on this years HI END show in Munich.

I recently heard a DPS3/ARO/Lyra Skala vs. LP12SE both on a Superline. The ARO is a very good match to the DPS, but as far as I know the Rega and the ARO need a different drilling to the acrylic platter.

ATB, Martin

There you go...

And an ARO and Miyabi/47 works great together.

Obsessed1,

I believe that before Frank Schroeder started making his arms, the preferred tonearm for the DPS3 was the Naim ARO. In fact on DPS's website, they actually say that the deck is 'commonly used with a Naim Aro tonearm and Schroder No. 2fW tonearm'. So as a combination this looks like a good place to be.

No idea about cartridges for this deck though. You really need to talk to your DPS dealer.

I believe Andy Craig the UK distributor uses a Jan Allaerts cartridge with the DPS. He may be worth getting in contact with or getting in touch with Willi Bauer for some advice.

I would love to hear more on your thoughts of the DPS as I am considering either the DPS or a Raven turntable. They both look very attractive turntable propositions.

Regards
Adrian

The dps is an excellent deck. It is extremely neutral and - with the 3 power supply - the quietest and most stable deck I have heard (moreso than the LP12). Where the dps loses out to the LP12 is in the "swing" factor. The LP12 is just that little bit more engaging (though maybe a bit coloured, too, depending on your viewpoint).

So I believe the dps will work best with a more lively cartridge (like my existing Dorian).

The ARO requires a new top plate (not too expensive) and Willi makes one with an arm lifter for the ARO (good for the ham-fisted, like me, who might otherwise shy away from completely manual cueing).

Willi himself tends to recommend the modded Rega (to him its biggest problem is that it is "not expensive enough" for people to take it seriously) and the Schroeder (although he acknowledges it is fussy to tune). I haven't asked him specifically about the ARO, but the fact that makes a special ARO top plate suggests that he (or at least someone) highly rates the combination.

Frank - my dealer doesn't have an extensive history of cartridge experience, which is why I'm looking for input here.

quote:

Originally posted by Miller:
I recently heard a DPS3/ARO/Lyra Skala vs. LP12SE both on a Superline. The ARO is a very good match to the DPS....

ATB, Martin

Which did you prefer, and why?

Obsessed,

that is a tough one!
They are both superb players with no major flaws.

Sound wise i found the DPS/ARO more Naim like in terms of transparency and resolution. The LP12 was easier to get into the music as I could very easily follow the musicians playing together. The DPS had a metronomic style on the rhythm part of its presentation. I told my friend and dealer I could easily life with either of them, he loves and knows the LP12 and offered a good deal...

This made my decision:

DPS:
+ The look
+ Easy setup
+ Excellent timing
+ Willi Bauer offered to send a demo unit!
+ Works a treat with ARO

- Not a One-Stop-Shop
- The looks of the PS

LP12:
+ The classic TT
+ My dealer knows it for decades
+ Plays music more easy
+ A nice and long homedemo with SL

-- I don't like Linn very much

My decision ended in LP12SE/SL/SCap2/HiLine.

Martin

Martin,

Which cartridge did you use for both AROed DPS and Sondek?

Kuma,

Akiva on the LP12 and Lyra Skala on the DPS/ARO

Martin.

Have you ABed the deck with the same cartridge?

Kuma,

unfortunately not... I just wanted a deck to play music, not the ultimate TT battle . I have very limited time and highly rate my dealers expertise.

Martin

Martin,

I understand it.
An LP12SE is a lovely combination.

Thanks Martin; I can understand your decision and agree with your take on the virtues of each deck.

The dps is more neutral, but the LP12 is so much fun, who cares? Which is why I won't part with my LP12 on the other system.

I asked for a recommendation on the DPS in the context of a Naim system, Willi Bauer recommended the aforementioned DPS/ARO/Lyra combination. It was not a very easy decision which deck would suit me better, I have been offered so many different decks during the last year. I gave away all my vinyl in the 80s and start at zero again, in times when everybody tends to download music ... but I love the physical medium and the artwork, in no way I would pass on that!

Vinyl is so much fun even when owning a 555!

Martin